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USA Eagles hooker Joe Taufete’e has signed a two-year extension with the Worcester Warriors. It ensures the Californians playing future in the Aviva Premiership.
The 25-year arrived at the Worcester Warriors in December 2016. His debut came in January 2017 against Brive in the European Challenge Cup. Having impressed he has featured regularly for the English club and he is now set to remain there to see him in prime condition ahead of RWC 2019 in Japan.
Taufete’e converted from American Football to rugby in 2011. His transition was so impressive that he would go on to be selected for RWC 2015. His official test match debut came during the tournament against Semi Finalists South Africa during the pool stage.
The giant hooker has an outstanding Test record, with eight tries in 14 appearances for the USA, having made his debut at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Since then he has been a mainstay in the Eagles, always making the roster when available.
His most recent appearance was last Saturday. Playing in his home state he celebrate a famous victory over the Argentina XV in the Americas Rugby Championship (ARC). His test career will continue this weekend, starting against Canada in Sacramento.
He is to be joined by fellow UK based players in the front-row with Dino Waldren and Titi Lamositele propping the scrum. Team captain Blaine Scully is another based in the UK. He will have the opportunity of playing in his home town.
For Taufete’e his two-year extension with Worcester sees his professional career continue to gain strength. Having played amateur rugby for Belmont Shore he went on to have sting with Otorohanga in New Zealand prior to gaining his first professional contract with the San Diego Breakers in the defunct PRO Rugby.
