Cardiff have pulled off a notable signing by recruiting international forward Lopeti Timani from French giants Toulon. Timani played 12 Tests for Australia, primarily at No 8, including a 32-8 victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium in 2016.
But then, last year, he switched to the land of his birth, Tonga, lining up against England at Twickenham, becoming the first player to represent a second national team since World Rugby changed its eligibility rules. He wore No 6 in that Test, but Cardiff plan to employ the versatile 31-year-old as a second row.
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They have been looking to strengthen that position since Cory Hill’s departure for Japan and the 6ft 5ins, 19st 2lbs Timani will bring physicality, athleticism and both lineout and ball-carrying ability to the role. You can read more about the region's signings here.
Commenting on his move, he said: “I’m really looking forward to linking up with Cardiff and have heard a lot of good things about the set-up there and life in Wales in general. Playing in Cardiff has always been a highlight of our tours.
“As a family, we have enjoyed our time in France and I am very grateful to Toulon for the opportunity this season. I remain fully committed to them for the rest of the campaign, but we are also looking forward to a new chapter in Cardiff.
“I know a couple of the guys there and feel the style of play will suit me. I also feel I can bring my own game for the benefit of the team and will do everything I can to contribute.
“I’ve had some good conversations with Dai (Young) and having seen his plans for the club plus the signings made, I’m just really excited to get involved.
“There is some good strength and competition building so I’m just looking forward to that challenge, contributing on and off the pitch and getting a taste of life in Wales.”
Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young said: “We are really pleased to bring Lopeti on board for next season and believe he can have a big impact here. He is a vastly experienced player, who is used to playing in Europe and the style of play here.
“He brings a real physical presence and combines that with an impressive work-rate, line out prowess and ball-handling ability. The signing of Lopeti fills the space in the squad left by Cory Hill last summer and gives us some quality in the second-row, which will drive competition.”
Born in the village of Navutoka, Timani is the younger brother of ex-Scarlets lock Sione, who has represented Tonga, and former Wallabies forward Sitaleki. In 2008, he was selected by his homeland for the U20s World Championship at the age of 17, but could not play because of the minimum age limit of 18 imposed by the International Rugby Board.
While a teenager, he moved to Australia and had a spell playing rugby league in Sydney before returning to Union and linking up with the Waratahs. After making his Super Rugby debut in 2012 and playing against the touring British Lions the following year, he then joined the Rebels in Melbourne, playing more than 50 games for them over four seasons.
He won his first cap for Australia against Argentina in September 2016, figuring regularly in the back row over the next year or so before moving to France in 2018. Following three seasons with La Rochelle, he then switched to Toulon, making 12 appearances so far this term.
In June of last year, he played for the Tonga Sevens team, transferring his international affiliation from Australia under new World Rugby eligibility rules, and went on to make his Test debut for the south seas island against England in the autumn.
Timani is Cardiff’s fourth signing ahead of the 2022-23 season, following on from Wasps flanker Thomas Young, Bath No 8 Taulupe Faletau and Scarlets back three star Liam Williams.
