Falcons sign Fiji forward Nemani Nagusa

Fijian back-rower Nemani Nagusa has become Newcastle Falcons’ latest signing ahead of the 2018-19 season.

The 30-year-old helped Fiji win their fourth consecutive Pacific Nations Cup title last weekend and will link up with the Falcons later this summer, subject to receiving a work permit.

Capped 16 times by Fiji, 10 of those coming within the last year, the 6 foot 2 Nagusa is also an experienced Fijian 7s international who has captained his country in the abbreviated form of the game.

Spending last season with French club Aurillac, Nagusa has also played for Tasman Makos in New Zealand and joins a Newcastle Falcons squad looking to build on last season’s fourth-place finish when the new Gallagher Premiership season gets underway.

“Nemani is an exciting player with pace, power and handling ability,” said director of rugby Dean Richards.

“He is part of a strong Fiji side who are making big strides on the international scene, he has that X-factor about him and we look forward to his arrival once the work permit process has been completed.”

Nagusa becomes the Falcons’ seventh confirmed signing for next season following the previously announced arrivals of George McGuigan (Leicester Tigers), Logovi’i Mulipola (Leicester Tigers), Guy Graham (Hawick), Tom Arscott (Rouen), Connor Collett (North Harbour) and Johnny Williams (London Irish).