Cardiff Blues sign Samu Manoa

USA international Samu Manoa is the latest star player to put pen to paper at Cardiff Blues as John Mulvihill adds further international quality to his squad.

Following the signings of Dmitri Arhip and Jason Harries, plus a season-long loan to bring Rory Thornton to the Welsh capital, Manoa has handed the Blues another major boost.

The USA international arrives in Wales from Toulon, where he has made 50 appearances, having previously spent four seasons at Northampton Saints.

During his time at Franklin's Gardens, Manoa established himself as one of the most devastating players in the northern hemisphere.

He won both the Aviva Premiership and European Challenge Cup in 2014, when he also picked up Northampton's Player, Players' Player and Supporters' Player of the year awards

Standing at 6ft 7ins and tipping the scales at 20 stone, Manoa brings a formidable physical presence to the pack and provides further competition for the number eight jersey.