Foden exit paves way for Tuala to be the star
SWASHBUCKLING fullback Ahsee Tuala aims to play a lead role in Northampton’s revolution after filling the boots of club legend Ben Foden.
Samoan Test star Tuala joined Saints as injury cover from New Zealand rugby in March 2015 before impressing to earn a permanent deal.
Having usurped Foden midway through last season and signed a contract which will keep him at Franklin’s Gardens until 2020, the man nicknamed ‘Ace’ believes he can take his game to the next level under new boss Chris Boyd. Tuala, 29, told The Rugby Paper: “I wouldn’t ever say I’ve cracked it, but I feel comfortable here now and it’s a really good place to be under Chris. I’m enjoying my footy and with him coming in, we’re seeing a big difference in our attack.
“We’re playing what’s in front of us, identifying space early and trying to shift the ball a lot quicker. The boys are enjoying it more and, with Ben Foden moving on, it’s a great opportunity for me and I’ve got to make the most of it.
“I learnt so much from Ben when he was here. The rugby here’s a lot different to what I was used to in New Zealand, but he was an experienced campaigner who helped me a lot and I’ve managed to adapt and become a first-choice player.
“We weren’t nearly good enough last season but with the quality of players we’ve brought in like Dan Biggar and Taqele Naiyaravoro, we’re confident we can play some good attacking rugby and get Saints back to where they belong.”
Tuala’s twin ambitions include helping Samoa make an impact in next year’s World Cup after he featured in their recent qualification wins over Germany, which followed heavy criticism of the team from the country’s president.
“It was an unusual situation,” Tuala reflected. “Samoa’s always qualified for the World Cup and there was a lot of pressure on us after we’d lost a few games, but the boys learnt what we could from the criticism and just moved on.
“Having to go through additional qualifiers wasn’t the way we wanted to do it but as a bonding exercise it was pretty good. They were important wins and we’ve created a core group with something to build on.”