Dragons RFC have bolstered their front row with the signing of Tonga international prop Paula Latu on a short-term contract. The 28-year-old tight-head brings a blend of raw power and international pedigree, joining from New Zealand’s provincial side the Southland Stags.
Standing at an imposing 6ft 2in and weighing 123kg, Latu has already made a mark on the international stage. Since debuting for Tonga in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Canada in 2023, he has earned five caps. Most recently, he featured in Tonga’s win over Romania at the Rugby World Cup, as well as coming off the bench in the Sea Eagles’ three latest Autumn international matches.
Latu’s rugby roots run deep, with his older brother Penikolo Latu also representing Tonga as a winger in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This familial connection to the sport underscores the lineage which the prop now brings to the Dragons’ pack.
A Strategic Addition
Interim Head Coach Filo Tiatia spoke enthusiastically about the acquisition: “He has come in as cover and arrived on Monday afternoon. He has joined the team and is going to be good here.”
Highlighting Latu’s attributes, Tiatia added, “Paula is a good young man, and we have been proactive to find the right person to come in – he is a ball-carrying tighthead and is an athlete. He is still learning his craft, but (Forwards Coach) Sam Hobbs has looked at him closely and likes what he sees, with an opportunity to help him keep growing.”
While Latu is already registered, Tiatia emphasized the importance of managing his integration carefully: “In terms of selection, we will assess him and decide on him. He has travelled over 24 hours to get here, so we want to be smart with working with him.”
