RUNNING out against Aviva Premiership leaders Wasps at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday would cap a remarkable period for Worcester Warriors hooker Joe Taufete’e.

The 24-year-old USA international has signed a deal which will keep him at Warriors until the end of next season.

It has been a whirlwind three months for Taufete’e who arrived at the club on a short-term deal in the middle of December.

The front row has made five appearances which included his maiden try against Harlequins at Sixways in January.

“Getting the opportunity to extend my contract until next season was pretty exciting,” said Taufete’e, whose wife Noeleen gave birth to their first child Bodavyn last month.

“I just tried to get my foot in the door. I knew my potential to play but I just needed the chance to show what I could do.

“I was pretty excited when the deal was on the table.

“At first I was startled and had to step back a little bit and see it because my wife and baby boy are back home in the USA.

“My wife is contracted to work with her job so she can’t come over here and I am pretty fortunate she’s letting me do my thing.

“I am being able to chase the dream and I am pretty fortunate to have her support.”

The former American Football player made the switch to Rugby Union in 2011 and enjoyed stints at Belmont Shore RFC in USA and Otorohanga RFC in New Zealand before earning a professional contract at USA PRO Rugby’s San Diego Breakers.

Taufete’e made his international debut for USA against South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and has gone on to make nine appearances for the Eagles, scoring three tries.

He captained the USA Rugby Selects at the Americas Pacific Challenge developmental tournament in Uruguay last year.

“I have been pretty blessed to have the opportunity at Worcester,” said Taufete’e.

“There are a bunch of players out there (in the USA) that I think would also blossom if you put them in a professional environment.”

Taufete’e remembers watching Warriors beaten 26-12 by Wasps at Sixways in early December – just days before he finalised his initial contract with the club.

“I remember sitting at home watching the game between us and Wasps and I was imagining myself being in that jersey with the boys,” he recalled.

“At that time there had been a bit of small talk on whether I would come over here or not.

“If I get the chance to play on Sunday it will be like a dream come true.

“I remember that vision of watching the boys a couple of months back so it would be unreal.”

He added: “When I came over here and I just wanted to be part of the team.

“It didn’t really hit me until Bristol came here and everyone was buzzing that I knew it was us against them (in the battle against relegation).”