Tonga international Telusa Veainu becomes a Knight!
9th September 2024
Doncaster Knights have signed experienced Tonga full-back, Telusa Veainu ahead of the 24/25 Championship Season.
The accomplished 33-year-old, has experience at all levels of Rugby Union and will be fantastic for the development of the younger Knights.
Veainu spent five incredible seasons at Leicester Tigers, in his first season, he won both newcomer of the year and player of the year. During his time at Welford Road he scored 32 tries in 79 appearances, before joining French Top 14 side Stade Francais in 2020.
Throughout his stint in France, he scored 50 points in 42 appearances before making the return to the English Premiership on a one-year deal with Sale Sharks for the 2023/24 season.
The full back played for New Zealand U20 at the age of 18 and 19, but in 2015 he was selected for Tonga for the 2015 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup. He made his debut in the opening match against Fiji, scoring an excellent try.
Veainu was then selected for Tonga’s 31-man squad to attend the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Veainu was Tonga’s top try-scorer of the tournament, scoring three tries in total, two against Argentina and one in a two-point deficit to France.
Head Coach Joe ford says:
“He’s really passionate about helping the younger players and will make a massive impact for them both on and off the pitch.”
“Veainu has a brilliant understanding of the game, he’s the best I’ve seen running the ball back, but he’s also so much more than that. He will add to our leadership group and drive high standards both on and off the field.”
“We can’t wait to get him started into the group this week as we build towards our first game of the season V Ampthill. He’s a really exciting signing and will add so much quality to our back-three.”
Doncaster Knights are extremely excited to add yet another experienced and talented player to the 2024/25 line up.
The brand new squad kick off their Championship season on the 21st of September against Ampthill, you can buy your tickets now!
