Whitehaven sign ex-Workington Town star Lavulavu
Last updated 12:26, Monday, 24 November 2008
Whitehaven have signed former Workington Town powerhouse Taani Lavulavu on a two-year contract.
The big prop is at home in New Zealand but returns to west Cumbria on December 4 to start pre-season training.
Coach Ged Stokes sees Lavulavu as a replacement for Kiwi David Fatialofa, who retired at the end of last season after over a decade of service at the Recre.
“We needed a prop to give us what David Fatialofa offered,” said Stokes today. “I’m not trying to compare the two, but they are very similar in stature and their ability to offload.
“Taani had a lot of ups and downs at Workington and didn’t really enjoy his last couple of years there.
“He’s looking to get his form back and show Cumbria what he’s made of. He wants to get his ‘mana’ back. That’s his reputation.
“I brought him over to this country when I was at Workington, and in his first year he was very good.”
“But I think he missed the Kiwi connection when those players left the club. He’ll have that again at Whitehaven.
Ryan Campbell has returned to Haven from Town, and Tyrone Dalton has also re-signed. Both have also penned two-year deals at the Recre.
