Cardiff sign USA forward Samu Manoa

Cardiff Blues have signed power house USA backrow forward Samu Manoa from Toulon.

The 33- year-old loose for ward bolsters Cardiff ’s ranks again, following the acquisitions of Dmitri Arhip and Jason Harries.

Manoa made his name with four season sat Northampton, before switching to French giants Toul on in 2015. New Blues head coach John Mulvihill expects Manoa’s arrival to ease the ball-carrying burden on fellow bruising back-rower Nick Williams.

“This is another significant signal of intent as we build towards the new season and a return to the European Champions Cup,” said Mulvihill.

“Samu is a big, physical man, who will compete with Nick Williams for the No 8 jersey and bring an abundance of experience to our pack.”

Manoa, who played in the USA’S recent win over Scotland in Houston, said: “I’m really looking for ward to the next chapter.”