Samu Manoa is the latest player to put pen to paper at Cardiff Blues as John Mulvihill adds further international quality to his squad.
Following the signings of Dmitri Arhip and Jason Harries, plus a season-long loan to bring Rory Thornton to the Welsh capital, Manoa has handed the Blues another major boost.
BREAKING: @Blockmonstahz Samu Manoa is the latest star name to join @cardiff_blues #StrengthThroughUnityhttps://t.co/xELQgqO4B7 pic.twitter.com/48lzu92oJE
— Cardiff Blues (@cardiff_blues) July 11, 2018
The USA international arrives in Wales from Toulon, where he has made 50 appearances, having previously spent four seasons at Northampton Saints.
During his time at Franklin’s Gardens, Manoa established himself as one of the most devastating players in the northern hemisphere.
He won both the Premiership and Challenge Cup in 2014, when he also picked up Northampton’s Player, Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the year awards.
Standing at 6ft 7ins and tipping the scales at 20 stone, Manoa brings a formidable physical presence to the pack and provides further competition for the number eight jersey.
“This is another significant signal of intent as we build towards the new season & a return to the @Heineken Champions Cup. Samu is a big, physical man, who will compete with Nick Williams for the No. 8 jersey & bring an abundance of experience to our pack.” John Mulvihill. pic.twitter.com/3SHWA29ejk
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) July 11, 2018
Mulvihill said: “This is another significant signal of intent as we build towards the new season and a return to the European Champions Cup.
“Samu is a big, physical man, who will compete with Nick Williams for the number eight jersey and bring an abundance of experience to our pack.
“It is important that we take some of the work-load off Nick and Samu will work in tandem with him, ensuing that we have a real physical presence for the full 80-minutes.
“We’re now looking forward to getting him over here and seeing him in a Cardiff Blues jersey at the Arms Park.”