Salesi Finau

Salesi Finau

Salesi Finau was born 5th May 1973 in Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga.

Salesi's rugby talents were evident from a young age growing up in Tonga. He was scouted and recruited by the Canberra Raiders Rugby League Club, and signed for the Club for 1994 and 1995, coached by Tim Sheens. Initially playing Under 21's, Salesi then progressing to 1st Grade in several months.

After touring with the Tongan Rugby League team in 1995 in England, UK, he was offered a contract with Warrington Wolves Rugby League Club in the Super League Competition for 2 seasons. After a successful career with Warrington, Salesi returned to Brisbane, Australia to play for East Brisbane Tigers Rugby Union, a call to his roots of rugby. This was a stepping stone to changing codes back to Rugby Union.

After 3 months with East Brisbane Tigers, coached by ex-All Black Grant Batty, Salesi was called up to play for the Tongan Rugby Union team.

This then led to his signing for Llanelli Scarlets Rugby Union team, coached by Gareth Jenkins. This was to be his team for 6 successful and defining seasons. Salesi played an impressive 204 European Cup games for the Scarlets and was a driving force for many of their successes. Salesi enjoyed and indeed brought about many of the successes of the great Welsh club. Salesi was a club and community favourite.

Salesi played for the Tongan Rugby Union team throughout 1998-2005. He has 24 Caps for the country and 7 as captain. He played in the 1999 Rugby World Cup for Tonga in the United Kingdom.

He also played in the Commonwealth Games Touch Rugby team in 2002 for Tonga in the United Kingdom.

After his 6 seasons with the Llanelli Scarlets, Salesi signed for Bath Rugby Union, England. The coach at the time being ex-Wallaby Coach John Connolly. This was then followed by ex-England Coach, Brian Ashton.

After his time with Bath RFC, Salesi then signed European Cup team, Bourgoin RFC, France. Salesi was in the regular line-up with Bourgoin RFC.

After a season with Bourgoin RFC, Salesi signed a 2 year Contract with 2nd Devision, Penzance RFC in England.

Salesi was unable to take up the contract in July 2007, due to family reasons, the ill health of his father in Tonga.

Salesi and his family returned to Australia/Tonga to be closer to family.

[ [http://www.bathrugby.com/264_4130.php Bath Rugby : Salesi Finau ] ]

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