Saracens move for 130kg Samoan international Tietie Tuimauga

Saracens are set to sign 31-year-old Samoan international prop Tietie Tuimauga who will join the Gallagher Premiership club upon completing his contract with US Montauban at the end of the current season.

The 130kg tighthead, - who can also slot in at loosehead - served more than two seasons in USM but is now set to conclude his time in France. US Montauban announced extensions for several other key players, including Tyrone Viiga, Léo Aouf and Kévin Firmin, but it seems Tuimauga will not now be part of their plans.

Having been somewhat limited by injuries, Tuimauga will now depart Montauban in June and is set for his first stint in English rugby and the Gallagher Premiership.

RugbyRama reports that Saracens will be Tuimauga’s destination for the upcoming campaign as the north Londoners look to add to their front-row stocks. Sarries current squad includes tightheads Alec Clarey, Fraser Balmain, Marco Riccioni and Ollie Hoskins.

RugbyPass understands that the Samoan has signed a year contract with the option of a second.

Born in Apia, Samoa; Tuimauga began his professional career in New Zealand with Manawatu in 2019, featuring in the NPC. He then moved to Wellington, impressing with his power before signing for Irish URC side Connacht in 2021.

He contributed to Connacht’s Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship campaigns, earning a move to Brive in France, where he competed in the Top 14 and Challenge Cup.

After a single season at Brive, he headed to Montauban.

Tuimauga continues to represent Samoa at international level and was involved in last year's Pacific Nations Cup.