Dragons sign Tonga wing Anzelo Tuitavuki from Colomiers

Dragons have signed Tonga wing Anzelo Tuitavuki from French club Colomiers for next season.

The 27-year-old from Auckland played at the 2023 World Cup and has won nine caps.

Tuitavuki came through at Hawke’s Bay before playing Super Rugby for Moana Pasifika, where Dragons boss Filo Tiatia was a coach.

In 2024 he moved to Colomiers and he has scored 14 tries in 30 games in France’s second tier for the promotion hopefuls.

“Anzelo is a physical player on both sides of the ball who possess good footwork and quick turn of speed,” said defence coach Dale MacLeod, who worked with Tuitavuki at Hawke’s Bay and Tonga.

“He also possesses a big left boot and is a good aerial option in attack and defence.”

Tuitavuki will become the third Tongan back on Dragons books when he joins centre Fetuli Paea and wing or centre Fine Inisi.

The wing is relishing the chance to step up to the United Rugby Championship after two years in Pro D2.

“The opportunity to test myself alongside and against some of the best players in the game is exactly what drives me,” he said.

Tuitavuki is the first of the Dragons’ signings for next season and they are targeting a number eight after the loss of Wales international Aaron Wainwright to Leicester.