BLUES BULK UP FRONT ROW

Welsh Rugby Union | Club & Community Published 7:41 am 9th May 2006 post

Filise, the powerful Tongan prop is a formidable presence on the rugby field, weighing in a 19st 5lbs and standing a towering 6’4″. The giant
front row forward is an exceptionally strong player and can play on both side’s of the scrum. Filise, grew up in Tonga and went to Tupou College in Nuku’alofa. In 2000, he joined Bay of Plenty in New Zealand and later the Auckland Blues Super Twelve side where he played alongside Cardiff Blues No.8, Xavier Rush. Filise has also represented Tonga 29 times and scored two tries.

Speaking of the signing Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young said; “Having a player of his quality who can play both sides of the scrum is a huge benefit to our front row strength.”

The Cardiff Blues have also concluded the deal to sign tight head prop Gary Powell from Gloucester RFC. Powell, who is originally from the Rhondda was educated at Treorchy Comprehensive School. He first joined Cardiff RFC in the summer of 1999 and enjoyed an excellent first season as a young prop winning a Wales U21 cap while at the Arms Park.

Young said. “Gary is an excellent addition to any squad and we are delighted to welcome him home as there was a lot of competition to sign him from within Wales and the Guinness Premiership. He has matured as a player over the years and we look forward to having him on board for the new season.”