Exiles sign Mapusua

LONDON IRISH have signed Samoan-born centre Seilala Mapusua from New Zealand province Otago on a three-year deal.

Mapusua, 25 and a Test international for the Pacific Islands, arrives in England in October and could be seen as a long-term replacement for Mike Catt.

Catt, an instrumental figure in the Exiles’ charge into the Guinness Premiership play-offs and the European Challenge Cup final, has been linked with a return to his old club Bath.

Mapusua is a different style of player to Catt but Exiles director of rugby Brian Smith hopes he will “add another dimension to our midfield”.

Smith explained: “He is a skilful player with the ability to offload that is second to none and is an effective ball carrier and that will be important in the season to come.”

Mapusua has played Super 12/14 rugby for the Highlanders for the last four years and was a member of the New Zealand Academy squad.