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Langi Haupeakui is headed to Scotland. The Sacramento Express bulldozer has signed for Guinness Pro 12 side Glasgow Warriors, pending visa approval. Haupeakui will join the team immediately, effectively a replacement for Scotland international no8 Adam Ashe, a long-term injury casualty with a foot injury.
There will be mixed emotions from PRO Rugby fans. On one hand the chances of him returning to Sacramento colours next season now look decidedly slim. Replacing such a dynamic attacking player will not be easy. On the other Haupeakui represents one of the great success stories of the year.
Emerging from the East Palo Alto Razorbacks, a Nor-Cal Division 1 side located between San Mateo and San Jose on the San Francisco Peninsula, the 27-year-old was a collegiate football player whose first taste of high level rugby came with the Express in PRO. He was an immediate success in the league with his blockbuster running style and fearsome tackling making him a fan favorite. Within a couple months he was invited to train with the US Eagles and in June he made his test debut as a reserve against Russia.
Initial talks with Aviva Premiership clubs Bristol and Harlequins did not bear fruit and instead Haupeakui will get his chance with the Warriors. There he will find Eagles teammate Greg Peterson as well as Canadian prop Djustice Sears-Duru. Of note is that Haupeakui will not be the first East Palo Alto resident to suit up for Glasgow. US Eagles 7s standout Folau Niua spent a few months with the club, making one Pro 12 reserve appearance against Newport Gwent Dragons in February 2014.
