The Rebels have signed Auckland Blues prop forward Pauliasi Manu to a two-year Super Rugby deal as part of their Contracted Playing Squad.
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Manu made his ITM Cup debut with Auckland in 2008 and has spent the past two seasons in the Blues Super Rugby Squad, gaining valuable experience behind All Blacks veteran loose head prop, Tony Woodcock.
Manu said the timing was right to challenge himself in Super Rugby.
“I have learnt a lot from Tony and all my teammates and am proud of my time with Auckland and the Blues. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to push for a starting spot and build on my five Super Rugby Caps as a Rebel.”
The 24 year old joins Nic Henderson and Eddie Aholelei in the contest for the starting loose head spot, a competition Rebels Head Coach Damien Hill is looking forward to.
“Pauliasi has had strong ITM Cup form with Auckland this season and has had Super 15 experience.”
“In addition to his scrummaging, Pauliasi brings attacking skills and a competitive streak that is going to make the battle for starting loose head prop very exciting over the next two years. We are all looking forward to Pauliasi becoming a Melbourne Rebel.”
Manu will join the Club at the end of his ITM commitments with Auckland.