2015 Squad Contract Renewals

[WFDom]

Former Warratah and Leicester Tigers lock Steve Mafi to the Force for 2015. Two years. Good pick up.

Any links Moono?

[GAFFA]

Any links Moono?

The same eligibility loophole is being looked at by the ARU to help solve a shortage of locks following the recruitment of Steve Mafi to the Western Force.
Sydney-raised Mafi was cut by the Waratahs in 2010 for being too light but went on to become a big name in the UK premiership for powerhouse outfit Leicester. He won the Tigers’ Players’ Player award in 2012, and has played Tests for Tonga.
Ironically recruited by the man who axed him at NSW — Michael Foley — Mafi, 24, will be a foreign import in Perth on a two-year deal but it is understood ARU types are looking into the Olympic loophole to get him switched from Tonga to the Wallabies in 2016.
It is believed after such an Olympic eligibility jump, unions may be able to apply to the IRB to make the switch permanent and applicable to Test rugby.
But Mafi would need to wait until early 2016 and need Australia to play in the Oceania qualifier. And then get a game.
If all that fails, Mafi will become eligible for Australia in June, 2017.

[palitu]

related to Alfi?

[valzc]

WOW!! Big unit! AND he can RUN & STEP!!

[GAFFA]

Looks the goods

[The InnFORCEr]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mafi

[UNCLE BOOG]

Any links Moono?

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/pa...e0391dc147b921

half way down.

Edit: apologies, I see Gaffa already posted this link.

[Kept One]

Looks very handy around the paddock and can play lock and blindside.

[AndyS]

Did I miss something? How does that work...have we been given a third marquee spot or has Steenkamp fallen by the wayside?

[GAFFA]

Did I miss something? How does that work...have we been given a third marquee spot or has Steenkamp fallen by the wayside?

im guessing that the aru will class him as a development player due to the new loop hole with the 7s.

He hasnt played fot Tonga for a couple of years and holds a australian passport so under the new IRB rules he could requilify for Australia through the 7s.

[WFDom]

Did I miss something? How does that work...have we been given a third marquee spot or has Steenkamp fallen by the wayside?

Mofo was born in Aus according to Wikipedia!!!

[WFDom]

E-mailed a mate (Tigers nut) in the UK. He said he's heard the same & they're not happy about losing them.

He said Mafi's an animal.... yeah-yuh! Pull up your socks Willhelm.... can't beat a bit of competition

[todd4]

This has all come from one article, can TIF get any confirmation from the Force?

[GAFFA]

This has all come from one article, can TIF get any confirmation from the Force?

there is a heap of talk on twitter coming out of the UK.

[Pitythefool]

Good pick up if it confirmed but anyone other than Fox Sports:

Iain Payten, Jamie Pandaram The Daily Telegraph August 14, 2014 11:00PM

The same eligibility loophole is being looked at by the ARU to help solve a shortage of locks following the recruitment of Steve Mafi to the Western Force.

Sydney-raised Mafi was cut by the Waratahs in 2010 for being too light but went on to become a big name in the UK premiership for powerhouse outfit Leicester. He won the Tigers’ Players’ Player award in 2012, and has played Tests for Tonga.

Ironically recruited by the man who axed him at NSW — Michael Foley — Mafi, 24, will be a foreign import in Perth on a two-year deal but it is understood ARU types are looking into the Olympic loophole to get him switched from Tonga to the Wallabies in 2016.

It is believed after such an Olympic eligibility jump, unions may be able to apply to the IRB to make the switch permanent and applicable to Test rugby.

But Mafi would need to wait until early 2016 and need Australia to play in the Oceania qualifier. And then get a game.

If all that fails, Mafi will become eligible for Australia in June, 2017.