Fatiaki signs two-year Warriors deal (From Worcester News)

Fatiaki signs two-year Warriors deal

4:24pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in News By Tom Guest, @tomguestWN #WENsport

WORCESTER Warriors have moved quickly to tie Fijian international centre Ravai Fatiaki to an extended contract, believed to be for a further two years.

Hard-running centre Fatiaki moved to the Sixways club at the end of the Rugby World Cup and has impressed during his time in England.

The 24-year-old, who has made just three appearances for Warriors so far, initially signed a short-term deal, but has already done enough to convince head coach Richard Hill to hand him a longer contract.

However, the deal does raise questions over the Warriors future of Dale Rasmussen as Fatiaki’s style of play is in a similar vein to that of the out-of-contract Samoan veteran.

Sixways chief Hill said: “We can see real fantastic potential in Ravai. He is a very bright and has picked up what has been asked of him since he arrived exceptionally quickly.

“Ravai is a big, powerful man who could be used to carry ball across the game line, but he has also got good hands and an intelligent rugby brain. He can also play both 12 and 13, which is an advantage.”

Hill added: “It is difficult to understate just what a change in lifestyle he has had to overcome since coming from Fiji and how difficult that can be when you come into a new culture.

“He has come from the other side of the world and had to deal with many new things, including playing in snow for the first time last weekend! But he has settled in very well and he will continue to do so for the rest of this season.

“We can see more than enough in Ravai to know he will be a big asset for the Warriors when he has got used to his new life here. He has fantastic potential to get even better and we know he will be a really good player for us in the future.”

Fatiaki was delighted to secure his future and added: “I have really enjoyed my time already in England, in Worcester and with the team at Warriors, who have all helped me settle into a new country.

“I feel my game can only get better here with the coaching team and playing in the Aviva Premiership. I look forward to the coming years as a Warrior and hope we can all bring success to Sixways.”

Fatiaki, who made his debut for Fiji off the bench against Japan in 2009, is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Fijian rugby, having already won eight caps and scoring his first-ever try for his country last July against Samoa in Suva.

Meanwhile, Warriors’ back-rower Matt Kvesic is set to figure in Worcester’s Aviva Premiership trip to Sale Sharks on Friday (7.45pm) after his club asked for him to be withdrawn from the England under 20s squad for their Six Nations clash with Italy in Rovigo.