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The LA Giltinis have confirmed the signing of USA international Joe Taufete’e for the remainder of the 2022 Major League Rugby season. He arrives from France, having been granted an early release from his contract with Top 14 club Lyon for family reasons.
Taufete’e, 29, has been a consistent presence in the Eagles front row since debuting in the 2015 World Cup. Initially a prop, he switched to hooker in 2016 but reversed the trend last year with a move to tighthead prop. It appears his positional roundabout will continue at LA with the club indicating he will be considered primarily at the No2 position.
It’s a significant boost to the Giltinis, who signed Djustice Sears-Duru, Andrew Tuala, and Les Leulua’iali’i-Makin during the offseason to strengthen their front row stocks. Tuala has been playing hooker but is also a capable loosehead prop. Taufete’e could make his MLR debut as early as Sunday against Utah.
