North Wales Crusaders have landed two former rugby union players ahead of this weekend’s clash with Whitehaven.
The Crusaders have struggled for traction in recent weeks with their form in the Championship leading to head coach Dean Muir being replaced by former Salford Red Devils player and assistant coach Krisnan Inu. And, Inu has moved swiftly to add to his squad with two union converts.
Masi Clark and Maciu Nabogi have both taken up deals with the club and step into contention for today’s clash in Colwyn Bay.
Clark has spent time in rugby league before, representing Cornwall in League 1, while he was also on the books at New Zealand Warriors and Super Rugby outfit the Blues.
Nabogi on the other hand, has experience of playing rugby sevens and steps into the 13-man for the first time at a professional level.
Both men join the Crusaders from union side Rossendale RUFC, where they have been playing alongside head coach Inu this season and they’ll be keen to help the former New Zealand and Samoa international make a quick impact in the Championship.
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Interestingly, the likes of Mark Ioane and Junior Sa’u have also been on the books at Rossendale this season.
The signings come as veteran front-rower Chris Barratt leaves the club. The Crusaders have accepted a bid from Rochdale Hornets for the 33-year-old, meaning he has now left the club after six and a half seasons.
Inu takes charge of North Wales for the first time this afternoon against Whitehaven and the expectation will be that he gets off to a winning start by claiming what would be Crusaders third league win of the season.
Crusaders currently sit 14th in the Championship, but a win this afternoon would lift them towards the top 10.
