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Worcester confirm Joe Taufete'e is quitting the Premiership for a stint in Top 14
By Online Editors
Worcester have confirmed that their United States international Joe Taufete’e is to join French Top 14 club Lyon at the end of the current season.
RugbyPass reported last month that the American and Connacht's Australian back row Colby Fainga'a had been recruited by the French for the 2020/21 season.
Warriors have now confirmed that their 27-year-old hooker, who has so far made 46 appearances and scored six tries since arriving at Sixways from San Diego Breakers in October 2016, is indeed leaving.
During his time in the Premiership, Taufete’e has become one of the USA Eagles’ leading players and an international record breaker.
When he crossed for a hat-trick of tries against Uruguay in Seattle last March, Taufete’e broke Keith Wood’s record for most Test level tries by a front row forward. Taufete’e claimed the record in only his 21st international appearance.
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Officials in the firing line after England's win over Ireland
Taufete’e’s achievement was recognised by World Rugby who shortlisted him for their player of the year award last year.
A convert from American football, he made his international debut in the 2015 World Cup and also played in all four of United States’ four group matches in last year’s tournament in Japan.
“Joe has been an integral part of Warriors for some years and the contribution he has made is greatly valued and appreciated,” said Warriors’ boss Alan Solomons.
“Joe is not only a first-class rugby player, but an outstanding bloke and team man who will always be welcome here at Sixways. From a personal point of view, it has been a pleasure to work with Joe. We wish him all the best in his new venture.”
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Latest Comments
The first half penalties against NZ were for speculative tackling because England were attacking so flat. If NZ didn't do this then it may have been tries and not penalties conceded earlier. I believe Felix Jones is still helping with the transition online. It was quite clear he wasn't helping in person with Earls in particular shooting up and leaving huge holes. NZ had a few that nearly stuck but the two tries by Telea were defensive errors. Furbank biting on Sititi leaving Genge to mark. Genge wont show Telea the outside again. Poor tacking on Telea for the second. That said he is a hard man to grab hold of.
Isolating Genge was clever for Jordans try. NZ spotted he defended wide too often and they could leave a gap with that switch play. 6 day turnaround for Ireland now.
I imagine NZ will be better, but they will need to be a lot better.
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