‘Killer Bs’ dispersing as Tongan No8 Ma’afu signs for Glasgow

Published on Tuesday 21 February 2012 03:52

THE changing of the guard at Glasgow continues with a Tongan No 8 agreeing a two-year deal with Sean Lineen’s side and two young Scottish internationalists moving closer to the exit door.

Both Johnnie Beattie and John Barclay, in the Scotland star bracket in recent seasons, have yet to sign on with Glasgow beyond this summer which means that the famed ‘Killer Bs’ back row of Kelly Brown, Barclay and Beattie could all have left the club within two seasons of being hailed as the best back row combination in the league and Six Nations.

Lineen has been tracking an experienced No 8 for some time and, after missing out on former All Black Chris Masoe, who was born in Samoa, he has landed a Pacific Islander in the shape of Viliami Ma’afu. The back row, 30 next month, plays for Japanese side Mitsubishi and will join up with the Warriors in the summer.

He could not be placed in the class of Masoe in terms of the ability and Test experience that Lineen hoped the Castres captain would bring, but expects Ma’afu to offer a new power and skilful threat alongside younger talents Chris Fusaro, Rob Harley and Ryan Wilson.

The coach said: “We’re all really excited about what Viliami will offer us from next season. He’s proved his ability on some of the biggest stages in world rugby, he’s got real presence and leadership potential, he’s at a great age for a loose forward and he’s hungry for success. It’s a great all-round package to have in a signing and I’m convinced he’ll make a positive impact. We’ve got strength in depth in the back row and Viliami offers another angle of attack, as well as excellent defensive qualities.”

The 6ft 2in and 17-stone Tongan made his Test debut against the US Eagles last June and, after five Tests, was selected for the World Cup squad. He played in all four pool matches, including the opening match where Tonga ran the All Blacks close and in the historic win over finalists France in the final pool game. Ma’afu, who also represented Tonga at tennis and golf, came to wider prominence with the Auckland Blues in 2010 after an impressive couple of seasons with North Harbour, being awarded the 2009 North Harbour Player of the Year, but he then left for Japan at the end of the 2010 season.

Recommended to Lineen by Auckland contacts, Ma’afu said: “I’m delighted to have signed for a major club like Glasgow Warriors and can’t wait to become part of the team in the summer.I know they’ve been doing well in the RaboDirect PRO12 this season, and it’s exciting to know I’ll be able to play a part in big games in that competition and the Heineken Cup.

“I’ve been very impressed by what everyone at the Warriors has told me about where they want to take the club. It’s clear that there is a lot of ambition, and a talented squad in place. It’s going to be a fantastic place to play my rugby.”

Glasgow return to Firhill on Saturday (6pm) looking to re-affirm their claims to a play-off spot after drawing 13-13 in Connacht. The visitors this weekend are league leaders Leinster, but the Irish side are, like Glasgow, missing their international core.

Glasgow are also offering new ticket deals to keep the attendances rising, including a free under-18s ticket to the game with every adult and under-18 ticket bought online (at www.glasgowwarriors.org) by midnight tonight, free under-18 entry for every adult season ticket holder, if they email [e-mail]) today, and every adult who buys a ticket through their own club’s website for the Leinster game by midnight tonight can have another free adult ticket.

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