The Army Rugby Union will have another representative in the Premiership next season, following the news that Rfn Alosio Vereimi Namuatabu Qorowale (Rifles) has put pen to paper for a two-year deal with Newcastle Falcons.
Rfn Qorowale will be taking plenty of red shirt experience with him to Kingston Park, having helped the Army Sevens team win the Melrose Sevens and finish third in the 2022 Super Sevens Series standings.
The 27-year-old will join the Falcons when the club begins its pre-season training, and he says that he is using the inspiration of other Army players who have proven their abilities at the highest level over recent seasons, not least LCpl Semesa Rokoduguni (SCOTS DG) and Pte Ratu ‘Siva’ Naulago (YORKS).
“It was my dream to become a professional rugby players, and seeing guys like Rocco and Siva has been a real inspiration,” Rfn Qorowale told the Falcons’ website.
“I played most of my rugby in the back row when I was younger, but when I moved over to the UK they asked me to play in the back line.
“I’ve played centre and wing, and hopefully I can bring a bit of flair to the team. I will be with the Falcons for pre-season next week and can’t wait to get going.”
Newcastle Head Coach, Dave Walder, is confident that Rfn Qorowale has the ability to contribute to the Falcons’ efforts in the Premiership and European Rugby Challenge Cup over the next two seasons.
“Vereimi is a player who came to our attention initially through his exploits in the Sevens game, but we feel he has a lot of potential and can give us something different.
“He has all the physical attributes, and by being in a fully professional rugby environment we believe we will be able to get the best out of him.”
Director of Army Sevens, Maj Jon Lord (RAMC) congratulated Rfn Qorowale on his contract, and said that the news reiterated the quality of player within the Army Rugby Union network.
“Vereimi is an exciting player and we’re delighted that Dave Walder and the Newcastle coaches have seen his potential to shine in the 15-a-side game,” he said. “The Army has a strong track record of seeing our players become fully fledged professionals, and I’m confident that Vereimi will be another good ambassador for Army rugby within the Premiership.
“We’re all looking forward to supporting him when he runs out for the Falcons this season!”
Words © New Dogs, Old Tricks
Header and Featured Image © Alligin Photography, Cat Goryn
