130kg prop the latest All Black to leave NZ
Chiefs prop Atu Moli has become the latest former All Black to leave New Zealand as the post-Rugby World Cup transfer exodus continues.
Australian Super Rugby Pacific franchise Western Force have confirmed the capture of the prop, who can play either side of the scrum.
Capped five times by the All Blacks, his last coming at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, Moli is thought to harbour a desire to play for Tonga under World Rugby's new eligibility laws.
Prior to his Test run, Moli skippered the New Zealand U20s to victory in the 2015 World Rugby Under-20 Championship.
Moli's joining the Force coincides with Santiago Medrano's contract extension and the inclusion of off-season signings Lopefi Taifua, Harry Hoopert, Will Harris, Harry Potter, Ben Donaldson, and Nic White; who are all set for the 2024 season.
The addition of the 6'3, 130kg Moli has pleased Force's head coach Simon Cron.
“One of the positions we needed to add squad depth was at tighthead prop,” Cron said. “Atu brings with him a wealth of experience which will benefit us on the field, as well as helping to mentor some of our developing front row forwards off the field.
“The fact he can swing, and play both sides, gives us some flexibility and is a very unique skillset.”
“Atu feels like some of his best rugby is still ahead of him. It's now our job to help him achieve that.”
Moli is also excited by the prospect.
“I’m looking forward to taking my young family across to Australia,” Moli said. “I have very much enjoyed my time at the Chiefs but excited for a new challenge.
“In speaking to Simon Cron and some of the boys playing at the Force, I'm excited about where the club is heading and to be a part it.
“When playing against the Force previously I’ve seen how loyal and passionate the supporters are. It will be great to meet and get amongst the fans next season.”
Latest Comments
After a fairly simple Pac4, the BFs will find out a lot about themselves in September when they face the rampaging RedRoses at Twickenham in front of a record crowd. After that they will face them again in Canada in WXV1. They also have France to contend with. Will be interesting to see what Australia have to offer with Jo Yapp at the helm.
Go to commentsSuper Rugby Pacific has been better as a spectacle due to the emphasis on speeding the game up and I’d look at taking things a step further. Instead of giving teams 90 seconds to take a conversion, let’s bring that down 60 seconds. You could also look at allowing 45 seconds for a penalty goal. Maybe teams could get 20 seconds instead of 30 to form a scrum before the ref then starts the engagement process. However, this year the most pleasing change is the added competitiveness in the Trans Tasman matches. What does frustrate me is how the rugby media in Australasia allow the the whole ‘‘rugby is boring’’/’’rugby yawnion’’ narrative to take hold from from vindictive league types, the chairman of the ARL commission and News Limited Australia. Stick up for the game and shift the narrative!
Go to comments