Ulster Sign Fijian Flyer

Rising Fijian star Timoci Nagusa, has signed a two year deal with Ulster Rugby, in time to start pre-season training with the squad in August.

Hailing from Fiji’s largest Island Tailevu, the 21 year old winger stands at 6 foot 2″ and 14 stone 2lbs. The young star has made remarkable progress in this his debut year of senior level rugby, having already racked up 3 caps, 2 tries and 10 points for his Country after his first appearance for Fiji in June. Nagusa previously played his club and provincial rugby with Bau and Tailevu Knights respectively.

Nagusa started playing rugby at school, representing Ratu Kadavulevu Grammar School on their XV. His rise to the top has been faster than he expected. Last year he was in the Tailevu development squad but recalled to the senior team towards the end of the season. He joined the Fiji Warriors this year.

The former police constable has followed in the footsteps of his uncle the late Vuniani Varo, who also played on the wing for Fiji in the 1970’s. Timoci made his Colonial Cup debut in 2008 with Tailevu Knights, where he sprinted his way into the Fijian coach Ilivasi Tabua’s good books and earned his place on the Air Pacific Fiji Warriors team. He was named Man of the Match in two of the Knights Colonial Cup matches and has earned the nickname the Knights Speedster.

Nagusa continued to mesmerise with his pace and work-rate, earning a starting place on the right wing for the Flying Fijians against Samoa, in their first IRB Pacific Nations Cup game this year. With his first cap he led the Fijians to victory scoring two tries. Commenting on Nagusa’s performance Fijian Coach Tabua said: “He played outstandingly well and shocked the Samoans. He used his speed well and he blended in completely with the other players. Timoci stood his ground and outran the bulky Samoan forwards with ease. He is a player who has the capacity to go far at the highest level.”

Talking about Timoci’s debut performance, Samoan Captain Filipo Levi remarked: “Nagusa blew us away and left many of our players gasping for breath.”

Ulster Rugby Head Coach, Matt Williams spoke about the new Fijian winger’s move to Ulster: “Timoci has the one major asset I have been searching the rugby union and league world for. He has genuine pace. He is fast. We needed another real speed merchant to match and in this case surpass Simon Danielli. Timoci is also a high achiever off the field, being a member of the elite Fijian Police Tactical Response Group. He is very mature for a 21 year old”

“His personality and attitude will fit into the Ulster culture we are creating. I have been very selective in waiting for the right person for this position in our playing roster. I am glad we waited for Timoci to sign with us” continued Matt.

With Nagusa’s contract signed, the now Ulster Speedster will be starting pre-season training with the Ulster squad in August, in time for pre-season friendlies. The warm-up games see the Ulster men take on Bath (15nd August KO 7.30pm), Queensland Reds (22th August KO 7.30pm) and Worcester Warriors (27th August KO 7.30pm.)

Tickets for the friendlies go on general sale from the 28th July and will be available to all supporters over the phone, online at http://www.ulsterrugby.com/, at the counter and at SS Moores in Chichester Street Belfast.