Former Samoan international Simon Lemalu has for two years with Parramatta Two Blues

Parramatta Two Blues Press Release & Brendan Bradford –

Parramatta Two Blues have signed former Samoan international and Chiefs front-rower Simon Lemalu ahead of the 2014 season.

Able to play both sides of the scrum, Lemalu is a damaging runner and will bolster an already formidable Parramatta pack.

With 13 Test Matches for Samoa after debuting at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, 33-year old Lemalu will bring a wealth of experience to a Two Blues side looking to build on its 2013 results. At 176cm tall and 118kg, Lemalu will be one of the most damaging front rowers in the 2014 Shute Shield.

Lemalu broke into the Northland NPC team in New Zealand in 2003 and moved to Counties Manukau in 2006. He also played the 2006 off-season in France for Brive and returned to New Zealand to play ITM Cup for Counties and Super Rugby for the Chiefs from 2007.

“I am very excited to be joining the Two Blues,” he said at his first training on Tuesday after arriving in Sydney on the weekend.

Lelamu will bring a wealth of experience to the Two Blues – Photo: Parramatta Rugby

“I know the Head Coach Gerrard Fasavalu well from New Zealand and have noticed the positive attitude around the club from players and officials alike. The Two Blues have a young team with a very strong culture and I look forward to the challenge of playing in the Shute Shield.”

Two Blues Head Coach Gerrard Fasavalu said: “We are delighted to secure a player of Simon’s quality. His scrummaging skills are sublime and his on field leadership will certainly benefit our younger players. It’s a great fit for the club and for Simon himself. He has ambition to be selected again for Samoa and I am sure the focus we have on playing physical rugby will suit his style.”

The Two Blues open their season with a home match at Merrylands RSL Club Rugby Park against Gordon on March 29 2014. Gates open 10am.

Name: Simon Lemalu

Position: Prop

Height: 1.76m

Weight: 118kg

Date Of Birth: 23/01/81

Rugby Career

Test Debut: 15/10/03 v Uruguay

Test Caps: 13

Super Rugby: 2008 and 2010 Chiefs