Tamaiti Horua expected to join Ulster

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

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http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,2...1-23217,00.html

On other player movement news, Force backrower Tamaiti Horua is expected to join Irish province Ulster, which is coached by former Waratahs mentor Matt Williams.[/b]

Horua was strongly linked with a move to Leinster about 4 years ago. That was after the retirement of Victor Costello and before Jamie Heaslip burst through.

Him moving to Ulster tallies with the Ulster CEO Mike Reid saying he expects to announce the signing of a hooker, 2nd row and backrow in the next fortnight. He'll push Robbie Diack all the way for the 8 shirt if he moves but it probably means the end of Chris Henry's Ulster career - Henry is certainly good enough to remain in the pro game though (Connacht as a starter, Leinster as Heaslip's backup and a host of English clubs could come calling).

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Another link:
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http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21...5005401,00.html

Those to have already announced their departures are Matt Giteau, who is going back home to the
Brumbies, hooker Tai McIsaac to Japan, prop Ben Castle to Newport Gwent Dragons, utility back Scott Staniforth, who will be given an early release to play in Japan, and flanker Tamaiti Horua to Ulster.[/b]

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Confirmed:

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http://www.ulsterrugby.com/10129.php


Ulster Rugby has today announced the signing of Tamaiti Horua, from Super 14 side, Western Forces, on a two year contract. Horua will join Ulster in the pre-season.

The 115kg, 1.91m New Zealand born, Melbourne raised blindside flanker, can also play No 8. An experienced, creative and physical back rower, the 26 year old has 42 Super 12/14 caps to date, and made his professional debut in 2002, with the Australian side Brumbies.

The same year, Tamaiti captained the Australian U21 side. He has also played for the Australian U21s in 2001, the Australian U19s in 2000, and more recently Australia A in 2003 and 2005.

Described as a "powerful forward, with clever ball skills," Horua will bring a great dept to the Ulster backrow for the 09/10 season.[/b]

Interesting that they're signing him as a blindside flanker. There's no way he'll beat Stephen Ferris out of the 6 jersey so it appears he's coming as backup. Since he can also play 8, he'll probably be the teams impact sub unless he beats Robbie Diack for the 8 shirt.

I wonder what the knock on effect of signing him will be. Matt McCullough will probably move back to the 2nd row. If Chris Henry isn't going to get a regular spot in the 22, he may want a move away. A couple of months ago Michael Bradley was reportedly talking to a number 8 with blonde hair and an Ulster accent (this is from a Connacht message board). It was suspected at the time that it was Michael McComish. Chris Henry also fits the bill and at 24 needs regular rugby. He may get that chance out west.

 

[Fa'atau82]

Tamaiti in Maori means 'child' apparently. Just what you need.. a kid in the mens team!