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Houston have signed center Moa Maliepo, prop Nikoloz Khatiashvili, and second row Apisai Tauyavuca for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. SaberCats flyhalf Sam Windsor confirmed the news on the latest edition of the MLR Kickoff Podcast. All three arrive from European professional clubs.
Maliepo arrives from Romania, most recently playing for Timisoara. The 24-year-old was born in New Zealand and is of Tongan ancestry, but made his test debut for the Oaks against Spain earlier this year after qualifying on residency and scored a try in his first test start against Russia. Experienced at both center positions, he replaces outgoing Tiaan Loots on the roster.
Capped three times by Georgia, 28-year-old Khatiashvili has played professionally in three countries. After nearly four seasons with Aurillac he joined the Sunwolves for the 2018 Super Rugby season. A return to France followed and this past season he suited up for Russian club Enisei STM. Khatiashvili should feature at tighthead prop but can also play loosehead.
Filling the void left by Victor Comptat’s departure is Fijian lock Apisai Tauyavuca. At 6’6″ (1.99m) he is not as tall as Comptat but has the athleticism to play in the back row. He was often used as a blindside flanker by Zebre in the Guinness Pro 14. The 27-year-old moved to Italy in 2018 after impressing for the Fijian Drua in Australia’s National Rugby Championship.
