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The Western Force has added one of the ITM Cup’s leading tackle busters and line breakers to its outside back combinations for 2016, with the recruitment of Manawatu Turbos speedster Semisi Mesirewa.
Despite Mesiwera injuring his ankle and missing the last three games of the ITM Cup, he still ranked 13th in the competition for line breaks, 7th for defenders beaten and made 84 carries for 596 metres.
The 23-year-old – who was originally born in Fiji, moved to New Zealand as a junior to further his rugby career, in 2013 he made his ITM Cup debut for Waikato and later moved to Manawatu. After a superb 2015 season for the Turbos he had offers from three of the New Zealand Asteron Life Super Rugby franchises (Chiefs, Highlanders and Hurricanes), but decided to head west and join the Western Force.
“I’m so excited to be here and I’m very thankful for the opportunity that the Western Force has given me,” he said. “It’s been really easy settling in and the team have been really supportive, which has made the move so much easier.”
“What’s really impressed me so far is just how close the team is, the culture here is great and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”
Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley says Mesirewa has huge potential to take the next step into Asteron Life Super Rugby.
“Semisi’s natural speed and power are real strengths,” he said.
“So far we’ve been very impressed with Semisi’s attitude and how he’s adapting to a professional program and without doubt, he has the ability to make a real impression on the Super Rugby competition.”
Profile:
Name: Semisi Mesirewa
Born: 9/06/1992, Taveuni, Fiji
Position: Fullback/Wing
Height: 184cm
Weight: 95kg
Representative Rugby: 2013-2014: Waikato (ITM Cup)
2014-2015: Manawatu (ITM Cup)