Gloucester sign Hurricanes hooker Matu’u

English Rugby club Gloucester have confirmed that they have signed Hurricanes Samoan international hooker Motu Matu’u.

Matu’u will complete his duties for the 2016 Super Rugby season and then join Gloucester for the 2016-17 season.

Matu’u is known for his physicality around the field, and the tough tackling 28 year old also boasts a strong defence and impressive work ethic.

The hooker will have some familiarity when he joins Gloucster as they already have Matu’s former team mate Jeremy Thrush on their books.

Matu’u made his provincial debut for Wellington Lions v Wairarapa-Bush in 2009, and has made 42 appearances to date for the Westpac Stadium based team.

In 2012, Matu’u made his mark for the Hurricanes against the Stormers, and, ahead of the new Super Rugby season, had made 33 appearances, scoring three times, with his game time shared with All Black hooker Dane Coles.

He is capped internationally by Samoa, and made his debut for the Pacific Islanders in the 2015 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.

His form for both club and country led to Motu being named in the Samoa squad for Rugby World Cup 2015, appearing in all four pool stage games, starting the fixture against South Africa and scoring a try against Scotland.

Director of Rugby David Humphreys spoke of his delight at signing the powerful hooker.

“Motu is a player that we are delighted to be bringing to the club, and I know that he is really looking forward to be heading to the Northern Hemisphere.

“His powerful, abrasive style of play is well suited to the Premiership and he will add further strength in depth to the Gloucester front five.”

Meanwhile, Matu’u is looking forward to joining the Cherry and White ranks.

“I am very proud and excited to be given the opportunity to add to the legacy already in place at a traditionally strong club like Gloucester.

“I hope to be able to play my part in helping the team achieve success in the Aviva Premiership and in Europe. I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and the people of Gloucester.”