Powerful Namibian International forward Tjiuee Uanivi and young back rower Matt Eliet have both agreed to stay with London Scottish next season.
Second rower Uanivi has been one of the most devastating players in the London Scottish forward pack this season both in attack and with his massive hits in defence. He was in destructive form before he broke his cheekbone in the game against Ealing Trailfinders in January.
Before his injury, Tjiuee had made 16 appearances for the Scots in all competitions, scoring two tries along the way including a standout effort in the 52-52 draw against Bedford Blues where he broke from 30 metres.
The 6ft7″ second row had this to say about recommitting to the Scots. “I’m really happy to have re-signed with the club. It has been a hard season so far but I am confident we can perform closer to our potential next year. I would like to thank all the stakeholders of the club especially for all the support. I am excited for what next season holds.”
The 115kg second row Uanivi has represented his country, Namibia, multiple times including at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He also brings some valuable experience to the Scottish pack after having spells with Brive in France, Natal Sharks in the Super Rugby Competition and Glasgow Warriors.
Director of Rugby Dave Morris had this to say on Tjiuee’s retention with the Scots ahead of the 18/19 campaign.
“We are delighted that Tjiuee has re-signed. He is a player whose impacts in the game really make a difference. Tjiuee is a great athlete and this is reflected in his powerful ball carrying and collisions in defence. He is also an excellent lineout forward. I believe he is one of the stand out locks in the Greene King IPA Championship. Next season is an important one for Tjiuee with the Rugby World Cup on the horizon and we look forward to supporting him to achieve his goals on the biggest stage.”
Joining Uanivi next season is Exeter University graduate Matt Eliet as he becomes the fourth player to commit to the Scots ahead of the 18/19 campaign.
Eliet came from relative obscurity this season after signing on with Scottish after a successful summer trial during preseason after just finishing his Master degree at Exeter. He quickly assumed a reputation as a hard runner and a player with a tireless work rate around the field.
Back rower Eliet made his debut this season in the Greene King IPA Championship game against Ealing Trailfinders at Vallis Way, scoring a try from the replacements bench. He has gone on to make eleven more appearances for the Scots and will be looking to add to his tally with the remaining three games this season.
Morris spoke of how injuries have stunted some of Matt’s progression this season after knee and hand injuries but he also spoke of his excitement with working with him next year.
“London Scottish are happy that Matt has also re-signed. Matt arrived with us from Exeter University where he was part of a formidable University back row. He is a fierce competitor and gets through a huge amount of work during a game. His tackling is excellent, he clears rucks with accuracy & physicality and carries hard. Matt has been unlucky with injuries this season but has shown enough in his performances to suggest he could be a very influential player for us next season.”
Eliet was looking forward to getting stuck in at Scottish next season. “I am very happy to have re-signed with Scottish. I have really enjoyed my first year at the club. I am looking forward to next season and really trying to play a significant role in us climbing up the Championship table.”
Uanivi and Eliet join James Tyas and Ben Mosses as the players to have been announced that they have re-signed with London Scottish ahead of next season.
