London Scottish have today secured the exciting signature of USA Eagles forward Tai Tuisamoa on a one-year contract.

The marauding second-row forward took up the sport just six years ago following a spell as a semi-pro basketballer.

He made his Eagles debut last November and claimed his sixth international cap on Saturday against Scotland.

An impressive ball carrier and renowned menace at the breakdown, Tuisamoa belies his relative inexperience by demonstrating genuine rugby intelligence.

He swaps the Californian coast for South West London with the 2015 Rugby World Cup on his radar and will join his new teammates after the Eagles’ clash against Canada later this month.

“I'm delighted to have joined such an ambitious club as London Scottish,” Tuisamoa said today ahead of his countries Test match against Japan this weekend.

“Since promotion to the Championship three seasons ago the Club has clearly been on the up and finished comfortably in fifth place last season.

“Although I have been playing for the USA Eagles, my club rugby has been with San Diego based Old Mission Beach Athletic Club in the domestic US competition.

“It does have some intense games but is not consistently at the level of the Greene King IPA Championship.

“Playing in this competition will give me excellent preparation leading into the 2015 World Cup.”

He added: “Thanks to London Scottish for this opportunity which I'm determined to take with both hands and my wife and I are thoroughly looking forward to life in London.”

London Scottish head coach James Buckland said:  “We wanted to go out and find some big physical boys in the off-season and we are excited to see what Tai can bring to the group.

“He is late to high level rugby but I think our supporters will very quickly take to his style of play.”

Image courtesy of Sarah Sall