Counties set to announce Umaga coup

It appears that the Steelers are to finally announce the signing of 74 test All Black and former captain Jonathan Falefasa Umaga, who appears to be set to move to the province at the conclusion of the French Top 14 season.

Currently Umaga is backs coach for the Toulon rugby club in France, and it is unknown at this stage whether or not the wealthy Cote d’Azur club will make a final minute counter offer to keep the 36 year old with the team.

Umaga, who works under Phillipe Saint-Andre at the club and alongside forwards coach Aublin Heuber, has been more at ease in what has effectively been a “downgraded” position for the man who led the All Blacks on 21 occasions.

Toulon is currently flying in the Top 14, sitting fifth on the table with 13 wins from 21 matches. They have beaten Castres, Biarritz, Toulouse, Montpellier and Montauban to sit on a five match winning streak of late.

But Umaga has stated in the past that he wishes to return to New Zealand. While there may be some surprise that some one of his stature is looking to one of the smaller unions, in reality the culture of Counties Manukau would be of great appeal to the Lower Hutt born star.

"He is a player who will resonate with our demographic," says Counties coach Milton Haig to the NZ Herald.

"You would have to ask Tana about that but I think this is a challenge that appeals to him - inspiring and mentoring.”

Many players at Toulon, notably Sonny Bill Williams, Mafileo Kefu and Sinoti Sinoti have benefitted from Umaga’s guiding hand, and even Jonny Wilkinson has said to have learnt from a man who used to play against him in the international arena.

“He is an iconic All Black and because of that, there are a number of sponsors and business interests in the local community who can see the value of having Tana playing and what it would mean to the fans."

Of real interest though will be too see how the veteran copes when he returns to New Zealand, as part and parcel of the package requires Umaga to play alongside a young Counties team.

"Because of his experience and leadership, we want him on the field where his knowledge will be priceless," says Haig.