Sarries sign Tongan international until end of next season

Saracens have signed loose forward Sione Vailanu on a deal until the end of the 2018/19 season.

Primarily a number eight, Vailanu, who turns 23 later this month, can also operate elsewhere in the back row.

The talented youngster became a full Tongan international last November, making his debut against Japan.

Vailanu joins Sarries after a spell in Japan, where he played sevens rugby, and the new recruit is looking forward to his time with the Allianz Park club.

“It’s a really good environment for me, it’s a really good place for me to start my career in England,” he told the club website.

“For the last four years I was playing in Japan so as a jump up this is a really good step for me; there’s a lot of experience and the people around here are very good, it feels like a family to me already.

“Hopefully while I’m at Saracens I can do my best and make some memories!”