New Leeds Rhinos signing David Fusitu’a to take diversion to the USA for family reasons

New Leeds Rhinos signing David Fusitu’a has been given the all clear to join up with the club after his visa application was successful and he is set to fly to England in mid-December to join up with his new team mates – that is after he diverts to the USA to see his family. 

The 27-year-old back has joined the Rhinos on a two year contract having played 108 games in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors and scored 61 tries.

Because of the tight restrictions in Australia and New Zealand due to the global pandemic, Fusitu’a has been unable to leave Australia since joining the Rhinos whilst he waits for his visa application to be completed. With that now done, he will be able to say goodbye to his family before travelling to begin his new life in England with the Rhinos.

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Richard Agar commented, “We have been talking to David throughout the whole process and he is really looking forward to getting here and getting started with the boys. The global pandemic has presented some unusual challenges but thankfully we have been able to work through that. David has been unable to get home to New Zealand to see his family for a long time. On his way to us, he is meeting up with his family in America and then he is ready to go with us from mid-December.”

Fusitu’a became a global star in 2017 when his hat trick stunned the Rugby League world as Tonga defeated New Zealand in the World Cup and he was only the 24th player in the Warriors history to make 100 appearances for the club. He finished as top try scorer in the NRL in 2018 with a remarkable 23 tries.