Talei leaves Edinburgh to add fire to Dragons

DRAGONS chief Darren Edwards couldn’t disguise his delight last night after snapping up Edinburgh’s Netani Talei.

The Fiji skipper – who has also captained the capital side – will link up with the Welsh club at the end of the season.

Edwards said: “We are thrilled about this signing. Not only will Netani provide us with attacking and ball-carrying options, but we will benefit from the leadership of a current international captain.

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“The back row is a strong and competitive area within our squad and, with the addition of Talei, it can only be bolstered further. His presence will enable us to create some potent combinations.”

Talei said: “I’d like to thank the club, the coaches, the players and the fans for making me feel right at home Edinburgh for a fantastic three years. It’s that time in the season and I’m at a point in my career when players often look for other opportunities and, while I’ll miss a lot of great friends, I’m looking forward to the next challenge in my career.

“But the season isn’t over for me yet. I want to leave the club on a high and help them win the next three games. I’ll always be a fan of the club and wish them all the best in the season ahead.”

Interim head coach Stevie Scott, said: “Netani is a popular figure with fans, who has been a great asset to Edinburgh. I’m sure all the club’s fans will join us in wishing him all the best in the future.”

The 30-year-old Fijian has made 51 appearances for the club to date since joining from Worcester Warriors in 2010.

The 2011-12 Heineken campaign brought the best out in Talei, who picked up three man-of-the-match awards for a trio of try-scoring outings in the pool stages of the team’s run to the semi-final.

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