Munster sign Blues centre Francis Saili on two-year contract
Monday 6 April 2015 15:11, UK
Munster have signed Auckland Blues centre Francis Saili on a two-year contract.
Saili, 24, has made 33 Super Rugby appearances for the Blues, scoring five tries, and represented Auckland in the ITM Cup 31 times.
He played for the All Blacks against Argentina in September 2013 at Hamilton, and was part of the New Zealand U20 team that won the Junior World Championships in Italy in 2011.
In November last year he played for the Barbarians, scoring a try against Australia in Twickenham.
Saili said: "I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am fortunate to move to a club held in such high regard, with values and traditions I can relate to from my time here in the Blues.
"This experience will stand to me as a player and I believe I can continue to improve and grow within the Munster set-up. As difficult as it is to leave the Blues I look forward to the exciting challenge ahead."
Head coach Anthony Foley said: "We are really pleased that Francis has committed his future to the province. He is a talented centre with an impressive skill-set and he possesses the physical attributes to excel in the Northern Hemisphere.
"I believe he will be a great addition to our backline and we look forward to welcoming him to Munster."
Saili will join Munster later this this year on completion of his 2015 contractual commitments.
