WHY IS PIUTAU WORTH SO MUCH?
DAI YOUNG WASPS COACH
He’s a leader, an international full-back, an international winger and an international centre. Any way you want to play the game, Charles seems to be capable of doing that. If you want somebody to show some fantastic footwork and dance through the opposition then he can do that. If you need someone to run over them then he’s more than happy to roll his sleeves up, so he’s pretty much the complete package.
PAT LAM BRISTOL COACH
We have got to have a Champions Cup team. Charles ticks the box. He has some special talents that will enhance our team. He would walk into any international side in the world. He has got the X-factor. I saw that way back when he was a young kid at Wesley College and then I brought him through the Auckland Academy and then into the Blues set-up.
LES KISS ULSTER COACH
When I was with the Irish team, we did profiles of opposition players. I remember watching Charles and thinking, ‘Wow, unbelievable’. Then when we had the chance to get him I was obviously pretty pleased. He can do some pretty special things.
STEVE HANSEN ALL BLACKS COACH FACT FILE
Age: 25 Height: 6ft 1in Weight: 16st 4lb Position: Full-back or winger Clubs: Auckland, Wasps, Ulster Ulster career stats: 26 appearances, 50 points, 10 tries All Blacks record: 17 caps, 17 wins, 5 tries Honours: Players’ Player of the Year in the Pro12 League