Force sign Kiwi backs
Western Force have confirmed the signing of two international development players, outside backs Albert Nikoro and Tino Nemani.
It was revealed on thewest.com last month that the Force were set to sign the pair who both have Super Rugby two seasons' Super Rugby experience.
VIDEO: SEE ALBERT NIKORO'S 59-METRE PENALTY BELOW
Winger/fullback Nikoro played with the Blues and Fijian flyer Nemani with the Chiefs and Highlanders.
Nikoro, 22, is also a specialist long-range kicker and landed a monster 59-metre penalty for Waikato this year.
He has been member of the Blues’ Super Rugby squad for the past three seasons but his career was stalled by two knee injuries. He played for Waikato in this season’s ITM Cup and has represented Auckland and Tasman in the national provincial tournament.
Nikoro, who represented NZ schoolboys in 2010, said he was looking forward to being a part of the Force set-up.
“I’m really excited about joining the Force. It’s a great opportunity for me and there’s a lot of talent that I’m really excited play and train with,” he said.
“From the outside, you could tell that the Force was a tight group last season.
“There was an understanding between each other of how they wanted to play and that they wanted to play for each other. They looked like a good ‘team’ and one I’m excited to be a part of.”
Nemani, 23, has joined from Bay of Plenty. He also represented NZ schoolboys in 2009, and the Fijian under-20 side at the 2010 Junior World Championship, with Force centre Junior Rasolea.
“I’m excited about joining the Force and getting into Super Rugby again,” Nemani said.
"I’ve played with Junior and Alby (Mathewson). I asked Junior about the team culture, playing at the Force and living in Perth, and he said he loved it which made signing very easy.
“I’d like to think I can bring some aggression and an attacking mindset to the team with my style of play. They had a mean season this year and I’d love to do anything that helps that next season.
“The best thing about the Force last year was their team play. They’d had some pretty quiet seasons before that but last year you could really see they wanted to play as a team.”
Force coach Michael Foley said the signings were part of his target strategy for the 2015 season.
“Our squad planning for 2015 has focused on three key areas,” Foley said.
“Firstly, rewarding a number of younger players who have earned opportunities through their performances on and off the field during the 2014 season. Secondly, we’ve targeted the recruitment of a ball-running lock/back-rower and finally, we’ve looked to add depth in our outside backs.
“Signing (forward) Stevie Mafi after four seasons in the UK was a big plus and we’ve followed that with two young and exciting talents like Albert and Tino, who’ve had some Super Rugby experience.
“Albert and Tino are both fast with the ability to beat defenders. Importantly, through discussions with both players they’ve displayed humility and an eagerness to learn and improve.
“Tino is a powerful winger who is very physical both with ball-in-hand and in defence and while Albert also has a strong running game, he is a goal kicker that can play 13, 15 and wing.”
