Bulls' Tongan import relishing 'great opportunity'
The call came as a bit of a surprise, but veteran Tongan centre Nafi Tuitavake is relishing the challenge of shoring up the Bulls’ midfield.
After some visa delays, he finally arrived in Pretoria just over a week ago.
“It is great to be finally among the boys and everybody has been welcoming,” he told a media scrum at the home of his new team, Loftus Versfeld
Trying to adjust to the altitude and the summer heat, the 31-year-old said he was looking forward to the unique challenge of being a Polynesian in a South African franchise.
“It’s a great opportunity to be involved with a great franchise,” said Tuitavake.
“Not many foreigners come and play for South African teams. It’s a challenge I’ve been willing to take up.”
Having played for French club Agen (2012/13) and Premiership outfit Northampton Saints (since 2016) – to go with 20 Crusaders caps and 70-odd North Harbour appearances – he brings a wealth of experience to a Bulls team that lost the services of backline stars like World Cup-winning Springboks Handré Pollard (to Montpellier) and Jesse Kriel (to Eagles).
“Now that I had a taste of Europe, I am pretty confident I can come back into Super Rugby and offer some value to the Bulls,” he said.
“I’m pretty confident about what I can offer the boys here. I’m one of the older fellas in this team, so I struggle a bit to keep up with the young guys.
“I have big boots to fills,” he said of replacing Kriel, adding: “I just want to give back as much as I can for this opportunity to be a part of this team.”
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Tuitavake, the younger brother of All Black Anthony, saw his World Cup campaign with Tonga come to an abrupt end when he fractured his arm against England.
Off contract in England, his career was in limbo when the call from the Bulls came.
“My agent told me they [the Bulls] are interested and asked me if I’m interested. I told him: ‘Yeah I’d be interested of course.’
“I expected so delays, but to my surprise, I received an offer three days later.
“It all happened very quickly after that. I’m finally here and I’m grateful.”
He is familiar with Loftus, but as a visiting player.
Now he wants to ensure it remains a tough place to visit.
“I’ve played here before with the Crusaders,” he said, adding: “I remember it was a day where the result definitely didn’t go our way. It’s a tough place to play if you’re not turning out for the home side.”
@rugby365com
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