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Utah Warriors lock Puna Vuli has signed with Japan League One side Honda Heat. The 26-year-old Fijian departs after making 17 Major League Rugby appearances, 13 of them coming this past season.
Vuli joined the Warriors in 2019 but had to wait until the following year to make his professional debut. He played 4 games during the shortened 2020 campaign but then turned out for the LA Giltinis academy side in 2021. The 6’7″ (2.01m) Vuli provided much-needed size in his return to Utah’s pack in 2022, particularly after the mid-season injury to Jamie Lane.
The Warriors have already accounted for Vuli’s departure on their roster for 2023 with the signing of Tongan international Onehunga Havili. Lane is expected to return from Auckland, with Saia Uhila and Jurie van Vuuren already re-signed. Jonah Dietenberger was acquired from San Diego and Greg Janowick was selected in the Collegiate Draft.
