Three Things You Probably Didn't Know About: Kini Murimurivalu
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Leicester Tigers' signing spree has brought in the confirmation that Fijian fullback Kini Murimurivalu will officially become a cub, joining the club ahead of the scheduled resumption of the 2019/20 campaign and into the 2020/21 Premiership and European seasons.
5️⃣ HUGE signings from @LeicesterTigers today 😳
Kini Murimurivalu, @tutemoroni, Kobus Van Wyk, @lukey_wallace, and Guy Porter join the ranks 🐯
Excited Tigers fans?
Find out more ⤵️— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) July 20, 2020
The outside back's addition to the team follows the departure of Telusa Veainu to Stade Francais. Capable of playing at full-back or on the wing, Murimurivalu heads to Welford Road from La Rochelle, where he spent eight seasons.
Here are five things you may not know about Leicester Tigers' new cub.
1. He's represented his country in four World Cups
Murimurivalu made his mark on the international stage with a selection to the Fiji U20s squad that competed at the Junior Rugby World Cup in 2009. The then-20-year-old captained the side to the 12th place finish, falling 27-10 to Argentina U20s in Japan. His displays at the tournament secured his signature at Clermont Auvergne, where he polished his craft and subsequently received a senior call-up to the Fiji team that would compete at the 2011, 2015, and 2019 Rugby World Cups.
2. He went to Queen Victoria School
Murimurivalu attended the same school as Glasgow Warrior and Fiji international Mesulame Dolokoto as well Alifereti Doviverata, who captained the Fiji team to the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
The school has also taught Penaia Ganilau, the first President of Fiji as well as a plethora of other respected officials and respected names in rugby including Henry Speight.
3. Has over 130 caps for La Rochelle
The 31-year-old brings in a wealth of experience to the Tigers pack having made 134 appearances in his eight seasons at La Rochelle, and has scored 168 points since his debut for the French club in 2012.
