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 can 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 Xfactor. 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 pretty pleased.

STEVE HANSEN ALL BLACKS COACH

I’m extremely disappointed he’s going. He was a person we were hoping would grow over time after this World Cup in to one of our senior players. We’ve put a lot of time and effort into him so we’re disappointed he’s decided to go down that route. He’s electric and has the ability to beat people.

FACT FILE

Age: 25 Height: 6ft 1in Weight: 16st 4lbs Postion: Full-back or wing Clubs: Auckland, Wasps, Ulster Ulster career stats: 26 appearances, 50 points, 10 tries All Black record: 17 caps, 17 wins, 5 tries Honours: Players’ Player of the Year in the PRO12 League