Shanahan signs up Nonu and Woods

Plymouth Albion’s new Head Coach James Shanahan has made his first signings, with backs Pale Nonu and Ben Woods joining the club.

34 year old Nonu, who is the brother of All Black Ma’a Nonu, plays in the centre and joins Albion from Rotherham Titans.

Nonu is well known to Westcountry rugby fans having previously played for Mounts Bay and the Cornish All Blacks.

Nonu, whose wife is from Cornwall, was born in Wellington New Zealand although both his parents come from Samoa. Nonu who stands 6’ and weighs 17 stone can play either 12 or 13 but prefers the inside berth.

23 year old Woods will join a growing band of Irishman at Brickfields and moves to Albion from Dublin based club Old Belvedere.
Woods who has represented Leinster under 20’s and Leinster A, can play either in the centre or full back.

Commenting on the signings Shanahan said, “Pale Nonu and Ben Woods are two very exciting signings and with their physicality they will give us a lot of go forward next season.

“Nonu has played in the Championship for three seasons and that experience will good for what will be a new look Albion backline.

“Woods is very good over the ball, he has good footwork and his defence is excellent.”

Plymouth Albion expect to announce further new signings in the next few days.