Ulster sign All Blacks prop ahead of the 2022/23 season
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Ulster have announced the signing of 6ft 4in New Zealand prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen on a 1-year deal, and will make the move from Wasps this summer.
Hailing from Wellington, tighthead prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen is set to bring a wealth of experience gained from across the world to the white jersey, including through his involvement in English Premiership side, Wasps, where he has played a key role in the squad over his 62 appearances to-date.
Making his senior debut in his home country back in 2012, the 31-year-old known for his high-intensity scrummaging went on to make almost 150 combined appearances for the Hurricanes and Wellington, and helped the ‘Canes win the Super Rugby title in 2016, as well as starting against the British and Irish Lions in 2017 with the side.
His successful professional playing career is no surprise given his early international involvement as part of the New Zealand U20s Junior World Championship-winning team in 2010. This was followed by his debut as All-Black number 1130 against Japan in 2013, and his subsequent recall to the New Zealand side in 2017 when he was involved in a win over the Barbarians, as well as a being a starter in the victory over France that year.
Head Coach, Dan McFarland, said:
“Jeff has played at a high level in Super Rugby and the English Premiership for a number of years and as such he will bring considerable experience to bolster our tighthead roster, as well as being a great mentor for the younger players in our squad.
“We look forward to welcoming Jeff to Ulster.”
Toomaga-Allen added:
“I’m really excited about the chance to join such a great club as Ulster. I’ve heard the fans are amazing, and I can’t wait to get stuck into next season.”
