Pisi power to the Saints
Samoan international Ken Pisi has joined English Premiership club Northampton Saints from New Zealand side North Harbour.
Pisi will team up with elder brother George at Franklin's Gardens – with the 23-year-old having impressed on the IRB Sevens World Series circuit.
Pisi, whose full debut for Samoa came in the 20-18 Pacific Nations Cup win over Tonga at the weekend, will compete for a place in any of the outside backs positions.
"I want to experience something different," Pisi told the club's official site.
"I was impressed by Jim Mallinder and the rest of the Saints coaches, and I've seen that it is a good environment, has a strong sense of community and is a club which takes care of players.
"Obviously the fact that George is doing well at the club made my decision easier. He's been enjoying his rugby and told me that the club is well organised with a tight squad, and everything that I've seen myself backs that up.
"I like to think that I'm an attacking player, so I think I'll fit into the style of play.
"The Saints like to use the ball and to attack and are an exciting team to watch. I want to fulfil my potential and am looking forward to doing that in the black, green and gold of the Saints."
Although capped by Samoa, Pisi's early representative career was in New Zealand's colours, and he played against two of his future club mates – Calum Clark and Courtney Lawes – in the 2009 IRB Junior World Championship final.
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that Pisi will be a good addition to the Saints squad ahead of another season of Premiership and Heineken Cup action.
"We've been very excited by what we've seen from Ken," he commented.
"He is fast and physical and has good rugby awareness and handling skills. He is also versatile and can slot into a number of positions, which is important for us as we try to maintain a squad which can compete both in the Premiership and Europe while staying within the salary cap.
"We think that Ken will fit into our style of play and am looking forward to welcoming him to Franklin's Gardens in the next few weeks."
