Ratu Naulago will line up for Bristol Bears in the rugby union Premiership when he leaves Hull FC at the end of the 2020 season.
It was confirmed yesterday that the 28-year-old will depart the Black and Whites after two years with the club to take up an offer in the 15-aside code.
That club has since been confirmed as Bristol, who interestingly also recently confirmed the signing of ex-NRL flyer and fellow Fijian Semi Radradra.
Naulago has made quite the impact at the KCOM Stadium, scoring 17 tries in 26 appearances after initially being signed as a triallist from the British Army.
“I’m delighted to have signed for Bristol Bears for the next few seasons,” he told the Bristol Bears official club website. “(Director of Rugby) Pat (Lam) has put together a great squad in recent years and the team are really starting to make their mark both in the English Premiership and European competitions.
“They play a really attractive brand of rugby which I think will suit me and get the best out of me as a player. I was hugely impressed by the new training facilities and their aspirations and ambitions as a club. They want to be challenging at the top end of the game and there seems to be a real buzz around the city.
“I’m looking forward to working with Pat and Conor and bringing something different to the squad. Moving to Bristol means my wife and I will be close to family and friends also.
“I would like to thank Hull FC for the opportunity they gave me in professional rugby. I will always be thankful for that. I have loved my time at the club and the fans have made me feel very welcome.
1⃣7⃣ tries
2⃣1⃣ games@SuperLeague sensation Ratu ‘Siva’ Naulago is switching codes and he’s going to be BOX OFFICE ? pic.twitter.com/KxYYnopAJn— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) May 19, 2020
“I hadn’t considered playing anywhere else in rugby league. I have too much respect for the club and for what they have done for me, so leaving for another Super League team was never an option.
“I am fully committed to the club for the rest of this season when we do get back playing and I am determined to do my best for the team to finish on a high, it would be fantastic to try and win something with the club.
“I would also like to thank the Army for their continued support with my rugby career which I’m extremely grateful for.”