Hala'Ufia signs for London Irish

London Irish have signed Tongan back-row forward Chris Hala'Ufia on a two-year deal from Guinness Premiership rivals Harlequins.

The 29-year-old joined Quins two years ago and has won 20 caps for Tonga.

Hala'Ufia, who is 6ft 4in and over 16st, has also played for Rotherham and Italian club Gran Parma.

He told the London Irish website: "I'm looking forward to competing for a place in the back row and helping the club realise its ambitions."

Forwards coach Toby Booth described him as a "dynamic ball carrier".

"As London Irish continues to progress to being a top European club we need players like Chris Hala'Ufia with a proven track record of competing in the Premiership and in Europe," said Booth.

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