Northampton Saints
News: Saints snap up Salesi Ma'afu
By ComeOnYouSaints.com
February 4 2013
Northampton Saints today announced that Australian international prop Salesi Ma'afu will be joining the club ahead of the 2013/14 season.
Ma'afu is rated as one of the top props in Australia. The 6ft, 126kg, tight-head has 14 Wallaby caps to his name, along with Australia 'A' and Barbarian representative honours.
Born in Sydney, Ma'afu - whose brother Campese is also an international prop - has built up extensive Super Rugby experience with the Brumbies and latterly Western Force. His international debut came in 2010, and after fighting back from a serious arm injury he helped Australia to third place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, including starting the bronze medal match with Wales.
Unfortunately a broken arm sustained during the latter stages of the Force's 2012 Super Rugby campaign meant that Ma'afu missed the Rugby Championship and November tour, but he starts 2013 as part of the Wallabies' training squad.
However later in the year Ma'afu will be swapping Subiaco for the Saints, and director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that the 29-year-old has the ability to make a big impact on Aviva Premiership Rugby.
"We have been impressed by what we have seen from Salesi," Mallinder commented. "He has built up a good reputation as one of the top props in Australia and has been a big part of the Wallabies' recent improvements in the set piece.
"Salesi will add a great deal to our group of props and the squad in general going into next season, and we're looking forward to welcoming him to Franklin's Gardens later in the year."
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Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 04/02/2013 10:32
ComeOnYouSaints.com
04/02/2013 10:32
04/02/2013 10:32
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Anybody know anything about him?
Not wishing to sound rude, negative or otherwise, but an Aussie prop? Really?
Fingers crossed Nobby has done his research and isn't just settling for what we can get and Salesi can really fill Mooj's boots.
EDIT: Forgot to say, massive welcome to the club Salesi - here's hoping you'll make a big splash for us and dispel the myths about soft Australian props!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:02:04:10:35:26 by DaventrySaint.
Not wishing to sound rude, negative or otherwise, but an Aussie prop? Really?
Fingers crossed Nobby has done his research and isn't just settling for what we can get and Salesi can really fill Mooj's boots.
EDIT: Forgot to say, massive welcome to the club Salesi - here's hoping you'll make a big splash for us and dispel the myths about soft Australian props!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:02:04:10:35:26 by DaventrySaint.
Tighthead.
Ma'afu bolts into Test reckoning as Deans stiffens up pack for Boks
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
Ma'afu bolts into Test reckoning as Deans stiffens up pack for Boks
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
Thats a bit of a suprise!! - not even any rumours - sounds like a great signing..
He's going to fit right in here then 
welcome Salesi new nickname Salesi forest.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:02:04:10:47:24 by ElmaFudd..
welcome Salesi new nickname Salesi forest.Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:02:04:10:47:24 by ElmaFudd..
good luck and welcome salesi. hope he is here for pre-season, not part way through next year after super rugby.
Quote:riverlodge
good luck and welcome salesi. hope he is here for pre-season, not part way through next year after super rugby.
RL, the top of the article confirms he'll be early:
"Northampton Saints today announced that Australian international prop Salesi Ma'afu will be joining the club ahead of the 2013/14 season. "
Anyone know how the numbers of foreign players limits thresholds thing works any more?
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
Didn't see that coming But welcome.
I suppose the guys arm is completely better and not likely to reoccurr? Has had two serious injuries in the last 2 and half years?
I suppose the guys arm is completely better and not likely to reoccurr? Has had two serious injuries in the last 2 and half years?
"He has built up a good reputation as one of the top props in Australia”
That’s not hard!!
I jest.
A relative unknown for me, but I look forward to seeing him in action over the next few months in advance of his joining.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
That’s not hard!!
I jest.
A relative unknown for me, but I look forward to seeing him in action over the next few months in advance of his joining.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Yep, good news and a welcome addition. We've done OK by Aussies over the years. So that's the forwards sorted now let's see the critical part of the team upgraded.
Welcome Salesi!
Am I allowed to wonder if this signing would have been announced today if Saints had been sitting in the semi-finals of the LV? Cynical, moi?
Am I allowed to wonder if this signing would have been announced today if Saints had been sitting in the semi-finals of the LV? Cynical, moi?
Great news on this blustery Monday morning.
Welcome,Salesi!
Bridesmaids no more.
Welcome,Salesi!
Bridesmaids no more.
Quote:ElmaFudd.
welcome Salesi new nickname Salesi forest.
...not if he's "pulling up trees" as a TH for us, he won't be!
You can hear the chants now, "Salesi, oh-oh. Not Campese, no no no no..."
Btw, is the recruitment policy centred around testing Air Geoff's pronunciation ability on matchdays?
I am stunned! What great news!!! Welcome to Saints Salesi Ma'afu and whoever said it 'forest'is an awesome nickname.
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
Quote:saintian
Btw, is the recruitment policy centred around testing Air Geoff's pronunciation ability on matchdays?
you beat me to that one - good job tiny is off really, or he would have to start team intros stupidly early.
Quote:Phil.
Am I allowed to wonder if this signing would have been announced today if Saints had been sitting in the semi-finals of the LV? Cynical, moi?
Crossed my mind too Phil
Good news ..
One more prop left to get in perhaps who can play both sides a la PDJ ?
One more prop left to get in perhaps who can play both sides a la PDJ ?
Would love to know more about him - the name is familiar, but I don't think I've seen him play.
Anyone have any insights?
Welcome to Saints Salesi
Anyone have any insights?
Welcome to Saints Salesi
Quote:
Don't normally post from work (at lunch) but having read the article above seems like the kind of personality (determined) you want on your team..
"He fractured his arm when making a series of tackles off the ruck, but played on for another 10 minutes, before the pain became overwhelming and he had to be replaced. ''I was originally shaking it off, thinking it was just a dead arm,'' Ma'afu said yesterday.
''I fractured it first when my arm got caught in a ruck and then someone landed on top of it. As I kept playing, it just got worse. I played on for a few more minutes, and it then snapped while I was running. I knew then, this wasn't good.''
Ma'afu said his right arm was ''displaced and then shattered completely''. ''It was snapped in the middle and the bone was shattered with lots of little pieces,'' he said.
As the damage was so extensive, Ma'afu thought he had suffered a career-ending injury: ''[It] did cross my mind.''
Since then, Ma'afu has astounded the Brumbies and the Wallabies with the amount of work he has done to ensure he was back in time to make a charge for World Cup selection. The first big step is expected this weekend, as he is expected to join the Wallabies' bench at the expense of Pek Cowan.
Article is from August 2011 so has had plenty of time to heal up, "bold / underline my emphasis", but the rest of the article says it all about the man.
Oh and where are my manners, of course, welcome to the Gardens Salesi
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:02:04:19:49:54 by Saints_Dazza.
When we make a signing I usually go check out the forums of the team he's come from - Western Force fans don't seem too disappointed to see him go:
Link
Sour grapes, perhaps? He didn't spend much time at the club though.
Link
Sour grapes, perhaps? He didn't spend much time at the club though.
This comment from the Western Force Forum made I larf...
"Meanwhile in other news; British news services are reporting that chip shop owners have broken into wild street celebrations from Cambridge to Birmingham."
"Meanwhile in other news; British news services are reporting that chip shop owners have broken into wild street celebrations from Cambridge to Birmingham."
Australians aren't particularly renowned for their scrummaging. Are you buying someone who can throw a 20 yard pass but can't bend over and push?
Well if that is the case we may have solved our 10 problems. I think I'll trust nobbies judgement on his ability myself.
Seem to remember people writing off Mooj before he joined us in the same manner. Lets wait and see.
And seeing what we've made before re front rows, I've much more faith in Dorian West's expertise than anyone posting on a message board.
And seeing what we've made before re front rows, I've much more faith in Dorian West's expertise than anyone posting on a message board.
I seem to remember that Tiny was in need of some work before he became one of the best props in the premiership.
Quote:TonyMay
Australians aren't particularly renowned for their scrummaging. Are you buying someone who can throw a 20 yard pass but can't bend over and push?
Tell that to Ben Alexander who played and learnt a great deal at Bedford in just one season and is one of the top performing looseheads in world rugby.
Course, you wouldnt know anything about that would you Tony...
...he's not broken anyones arm recently has he?
Meanwhile whilst reading all the bluster from Oz, I'll remind folks that plenty of Saffies didn't rate Mooj when he arrived...
Hi, new member, lifelong saints and nccc fan though do not live local anymore. Don’t know anything about this guy either but i’m sure dorian has carefully selected him as a potential monster at 3.He certainly has the dimensions!
Feel pretty enthusiastic about the transfers so far, especially Kahn. Better than the last 2 years. Mooj and Soane are big losses but they haven’t really torn up trees this year. We now have 4 good props Waller and Mercey would be pushing for the Saxons if they were getting more game time.
Feel pretty enthusiastic about the transfers so far, especially Kahn. Better than the last 2 years. Mooj and Soane are big losses but they haven’t really torn up trees this year. We now have 4 good props Waller and Mercey would be pushing for the Saxons if they were getting more game time.
Welcome aboard scousesaint.
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I read on an Aussie website it is only a one year contract. Does anyone know for definite?
Welcome, i'm sure he will be very good for us.
No idea, i would hope not. Needs a couple of years for our many academy product to get up to speed.
Think were sorted at prop now though. Give the young guys the 3rd berth. If there good enough to play in the championship there good enough for LV= matches and to cover injuries.
Pack looks full up. Give Rhys another year if he wants it.
Think we just need another center now.
Loose a few wingers to save some cash. If we are happy to have Wilson play there when Foden is about and assuming Digger gets fit that gives us 4 (pisi/vas).
If we can get a 12 as backup to Luthor (a kicking one would be a bonus) then we look set. George/Dom for the 13 spot.
Then we just have to figure out how to play as a team...
Oh and are we still short of a coach?
Quote:SaintMaul
I read on an Aussie website it is only a one year contract. Does anyone know for definite?
No idea, i would hope not. Needs a couple of years for our many academy product to get up to speed.
Think were sorted at prop now though. Give the young guys the 3rd berth. If there good enough to play in the championship there good enough for LV= matches and to cover injuries.
Pack looks full up. Give Rhys another year if he wants it.
Think we just need another center now.
Loose a few wingers to save some cash. If we are happy to have Wilson play there when Foden is about and assuming Digger gets fit that gives us 4 (pisi/vas).
If we can get a 12 as backup to Luthor (a kicking one would be a bonus) then we look set. George/Dom for the 13 spot.
Then we just have to figure out how to play as a team...
Oh and are we still short of a coach?
I think we need a new winger, one thats either set to play games or for development with potential. Preferably a biggish lad that can run. If they can play centre as well it would be a bous but this season one of hte biggest let downs is the wingers scoring tries. Did we get so used to Ashton tracking that everone else stayed out wide and sat in their position waiting for the ball? Pretty much all of our wingers don't come in much looking for the ball, elliot is probably the only exception. I'd like to see Collins pushed up for game time for next season just like Elliot was.
Also as Ducky says an inside centre would be great too and not an outside centre that can play inside centre...also if he can kick well would be a bonus!
I'm not convinced that we are sold at the fly half birth either. If we are likely to lose one of our specialist then I think that needs refilling as outside one specialist we would be relying on several utility players that can play there which are only good during a game, not before mentality.
Also as Ducky says an inside centre would be great too and not an outside centre that can play inside centre...also if he can kick well would be a bonus!
I'm not convinced that we are sold at the fly half birth either. If we are likely to lose one of our specialist then I think that needs refilling as outside one specialist we would be relying on several utility players that can play there which are only good during a game, not before mentality.
Quote:David Tavener
Pretty much all of our wingers don't come in much looking for the ball, elliot is probably the only exception
In fairness I did notice Wilson doing a bit of that last home game. Maybe not quite as much as Ashton, but some nonetheless.
if this guy's good, we may have played our cards at prop. Corbs, Waller A , Waller E and Warren on the left, Ma'afu , Mercey , Herriott at 3.
hmm. maybe one more at 3, not sure Danny H may need one more year at 3 before the big time. tricky.he's going to be good, but 20's maybe too young at tighthead?
as Tub spotted at the beginning of the season, we simply have too many for the back two rows and if we want to rebalance our cap spending,as well as giving Nutley and Harrison some oxygen, then we need to lose a couple of biggish salaries in the 4-8 shirts and there have been whispers.
we also seem to be trimming down at 9, if rumours have any currency
hmm. maybe one more at 3, not sure Danny H may need one more year at 3 before the big time. tricky.he's going to be good, but 20's maybe too young at tighthead?
as Tub spotted at the beginning of the season, we simply have too many for the back two rows and if we want to rebalance our cap spending,as well as giving Nutley and Harrison some oxygen, then we need to lose a couple of biggish salaries in the 4-8 shirts and there have been whispers.
we also seem to be trimming down at 9, if rumours have any currency
I think your right Broonie. We do need to trim a few. Its great having lots of options but if they are not getting a game its just wasted cash and does not give any chance of our Academy players getting a spot.
I know you need to plan for injury but the rules do allow for bringing in emergency cover if theres a serious issue.
Think i would rather have 2 very good players than 4 ok ones.
I know you need to plan for injury but the rules do allow for bringing in emergency cover if theres a serious issue.
Think i would rather have 2 very good players than 4 ok ones.
He's going to fit right in here then welcome Salesi new nickname Salesi forest.
If this is his new nickname already, then going into contact should have the fans shouting TIM..BERRRRRRRRRRRRR!
If this is his new nickname already, then going into contact should have the fans shouting TIM..BERRRRRRRRRRRRR!
and when he really gets an appetite for it we could shout "BUR...GERRRRRRRR 
Quote:Broonie
or (with a nod to recent food scandal)...TRIG...GERRRRRRR
Awlright, Dave?
Isn't that Nessa?
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
You can't shout TIM BERRRRRRR.
You will have Saint Tim fearing the stadium just placed their order for Beer and it's his round!
You will have Saint Tim fearing the stadium just placed their order for Beer and it's his round!
How long will it take for us to be told we have signed the wrong brother!!!!
Somebody on the Western Force forum already said as much.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
I can guarantee you that we could sign the whole family up and still of signed the wrong one...
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