The following is a press release from Harlequins regarding the signing of Mathew Luamanu:
Harlequins Sign Mathew Luamanu
Harlequins can announce today (Friday 31st July) that New Zealand-born number 8 Mathew Luamanu has joined the Club.
The powerful and abrasive back row forward joins Harlequins from Guinness Pro 12 side Benetton Treviso, a side in which he made 22 appearances during the 2014/15 season.
Commenting on the announcement Luamanu said: “I’m really excited to have joined Harlequins and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead while beginning a new chapter.
“Harlequins’ style of play is known throughout Europe and that was something that really appealed to me.
“It’s a long pre-season, so there is a lot of work to do but I’ve enjoyed it so far and I’m looking forward to getting some game time under my belt.”
The six foot four 27 year-old previously represented New Zealand Schools and won the 2008 Junior World Cup with New Zealand Under 20s.
Making his senior Wellington debut in 2008, he transferred to North Harbour for the 2010 ITM Cup and played alongside current Harlequin Ben Botica.
Luamanu shone during that season and was called into The Blues Super XV side in 2011, helping the franchise to its first playoff appearance since 2007.
In 2012, the 127kg forward moved to Japanese side Kyuden Voltex before transferring to Italy in 2014.
Confirming the announcement, Harlequins Director of Rugby Conor O’Shea said: “In any squad you are always looking for a point of difference and we have no doubt that Mat can provide us with that.
“He needs to work hard through this pre-season but I’m confident that will happen given what his motivations are.
“Mat’s sheer size, power and footballing ability will provide a very interesting challenge to teams in the Aviva Premiership and in Europe and we look forward to working with a player whose best years can still be ahead of him.”
Player profile
Name: Mathew Luamanu
Position: Number 8
Place of birth: Wellington, New Zealand
Date of birth: 4/3/1988
Height: 6′ 4″
Weight: 19st 13lb
Main Photo
