News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
By ComeOnYouSaints.com
January 24 2013
Northampton Saints today announced that Kahn Fotuali'i has signed on to wear the black, green and gold from the start of next season.
The 30-year-old scrum-half, capped 13 times by Samoa, has won rave reviews for his recent performances in the Heineken Cup and is regarded by many commentators to be the best player in his position in world rugby.
The 6ft, 94kg Fotuali'i joins the Saints from the Ospreys. In his two seasons at the Liberty Stadium he has played 39 times, including in the Pro 12 final success over Leinster and earning the man of the match award in the recent Heineken Cup game against Leicester.
Born in Auckland, Fotuali'i had been tipped for full All Blacks honours after making his mark in Super Rugby for the Crusaders, for whom he played 28 times. Instead Fotuali'i chose to represent Samoa, and after a man of the match performance in his 2010 debut he went on to play in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Fotuali'i has experience of playing both scrum-half and fly half at international and provincial level.
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder is excited by the signing.
"Kahn is a player who has attracted a lot of positive headlines and attention throughout his career," he said. "He has a superb set of skills and is a powerful and dynamic runner who will add to our options in one of the team's crucial positions.
"We're delighted that he has chosen to sign a long-term contract to play his rugby at Franklin's Gardens, and we're looking forward to welcoming him to the club in the summer."
News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: ComeOnYouSaints.com (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:36
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Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Toulousian Firefighter (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:40
Whoop 
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: shendy (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:41
What he said.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: DaventrySaint (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:41
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: SaintsDuncan (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:41
Get in!
Welcome Khan
Welcome Khan
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Neil-H (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:42
Halley flipping Lulla!!!
Welcome Khan!
So 9 or 10? or both?
Welcome Khan!
So 9 or 10? or both?
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Flinstone Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:47
YayExcellent news.
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Excellent news.----------------------------------------
Please sponsor me for Saints with Heart [www.justgiving.com]
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: St Francis (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:47
Very good. A challenge for Dicko then. Or whoever is at 10...
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: tws (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:47
Wonderful news.
Who says we don't make good signings?
That should shut the moaners up ..well at least until tomorrow's team is named.
Who says we don't make good signings?
That should shut the moaners up ..well at least until tomorrow's team is named.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: oh!&jeremy (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:49
That really is good news - Saints not beaten by mega-bucks from across the Channel - and welcome Kahn . Now excuse my ignorance but, in view of the rumored value of his contract, is he eligible to be the marquee player or am I totally off track?
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: The Buck (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:50
Fantastic Signing - a true class player in his prime!!
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Bustabloodvessel (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:53
The first for the king revolution.
"I HAVE A BIG ONE".
"I HAVE A BIG ONE".
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: The Buck (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:53
My understanding is that he can be considered as a marquee player. If we sign a player from another Prem side they can't be considered.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: SAINT_aitch (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:54
Holy Mackerel. Didn't expect that to come to fruition. That's an awesome signing. Yummy, and welcome Kahn.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Atom (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:55
Yabadabadooo
What a splendiforus signing.
Welcome Kahn
What a splendiforus signing.
Welcome Kahn
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Saint Norwich (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 12:55
Awesome news - a real signal of intent from the management here.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Broonie (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:02
you little beauty!
well done Jim.
the job's not done, but we've made a good start this time.
well done Jim.
the job's not done, but we've made a good start this time.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Duckonstilts (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:02
Great news.
Is it next season yet?
Is it next season yet?
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Stockers (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:04
That's more like it! Woo and quite possibly Hoo as well.
One is moist with anticipation!
One is moist with anticipation!
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Waggydog (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:05
YES!!
That is all.
That is all.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Guildford Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:06
excellent, and welcome Kahn!Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:01:24:13:26:59 by Guildford Saint.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: LaurieK (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:11
Great news. He looks a great player with different skills than we currently have. Any chance it might change the style of play.
And TWS, please give it a break. We all want the best for Saints and signing a new player is no time to have a dig.
And TWS, please give it a break. We all want the best for Saints and signing a new player is no time to have a dig.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Tigersfan1 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:12
Great signing, congrats!
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Wrench (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:13
A big welcome to (Genghis) Kahn! Looking forward to seeing this man play in the Black, Green and Gold
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Russ C (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:16
Some good news at last.
R.
R.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: riverlodge (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:16
well done to JM and the management team. really hope that Kahn enjoys being part of the Saints 'family' and gets the success that he, and we, all hope for him.
btw what is a 'long term contract' these days for a prem rugby club?
btw what is a 'long term contract' these days for a prem rugby club?
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Scrummy (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:19
Great news!
now for the nickname.
Chuka Khan???
now for the nickname.
Chuka Khan???
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: MoANjAm (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:20
Yeah whateva.... but can he pass off his left hand, downhill? *
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Mark C (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:21
"Fotuali'i has experience of playing both scrum-half and fly half at international and provincial level"
I see this as a replacement for Lamb but also a greaat way of keeping Dicko on his toes!
I see this as a replacement for Lamb but also a greaat way of keeping Dicko on his toes!
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:22
Didn't see that coming, wow!
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: David Tavener (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:22
They better not make him angry...or they will face the Wrath of Kahn...
Seriously good signing and look forward to whatever number will be placed upon his back over the coming seasons
Seriously good signing and look forward to whatever number will be placed upon his back over the coming seasons
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:23
Never in doubt...welcome Mr Fotuali'i 
Bridesmaids no more.
Bridesmaids no more.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: GaryB (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:27
Salary cap? Word was xxx was being offered around 250-300k in France so they've done to tempt him.
Someone look at their books!
You'll have to expect questions to be asked I'm afraid. Your resigning guys on increased contracts plus luring big names from other clubs on improved deals.
Good signing though!
Someone look at their books!
You'll have to expect questions to be asked I'm afraid. Your resigning guys on increased contracts plus luring big names from other clubs on improved deals.
Good signing though!
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Chris Hoddle (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:29
Good news indeed!
Interesting Jim says adds to the options.
Interesting Jim says adds to the options.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:34
We've matched France and made him our marquee signing, nowt to worry about.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Taffy Chris (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:35
Result!!!!
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Farmfez (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:35
Really looking forward to seeing him in the Prem next year.Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: ElmaFudd. (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:51
Yeah, yeah yeah but he's no George Ford is he*
Welcome on board Mr Kahn
Welcome on board Mr Kahn
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Toulousian Firefighter (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:54
Quote:GaryB
Salary cap? Word was xxx was being offered around 250-300k in France so they've done to tempt him.
Someone look at their books!
You'll have to expect questions to be asked I'm afraid. Your resigning guys on increased contracts plus luring big names from other clubs on improved deals.
Good signing though!
Carlos Nieto and John Smit are leaving at the end of the season. He wants to work with Andy Farrell. His best mate plays for the club. His brother plays for the club. All valid reasons.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: St Owen (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:56
Great news. A good statement of intent from the coaches.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 13:59
And a big thanks to Jauzy our friend from Toulouse for alerting us first about this last week.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Bob Stainsby (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 14:04
WOOOOOOO and HOOOOOOOOOOO! I am now officially excited
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Former Hollywood Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 14:26
Awesome news. King, Corbs and Khan showing our intent for next year. Plus if Dicko needed an incentive to get back to his best then this is it! Plus with Khans reported salary: is he the marquee player?
Like many ill be truly happy when we announce a world class 10 though.
And with regards to his nickname, I know it's not much surely someone has already done a Captain Kirk-esque "KKKHHHHHAAAAAAAAAANNNNNN!!!"
FHS
Like many ill be truly happy when we announce a world class 10 though.
And with regards to his nickname, I know it's not much surely someone has already done a Captain Kirk-esque "KKKHHHHHAAAAAAAAAANNNNNN!!!"
FHS
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 14:32
Given he can pass off bother hands, I like Scrummy's 'Chucker' Khan I must say.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Wrench (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 14:32
Nickname surely has to be Genghis? Or whatever Uncle Geoff decides to call him after struggling over his name on the first couple of team sheets.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Saint James (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 14:47
Superb signing great work from the club.
Cheers for the quote GaryB.
Cheers for the quote GaryB.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: StBleach (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 15:15
Sad day for the Ospreys.... who cares.. great addition to the squad - keep em coming
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: saintian (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 15:25
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: MoANjAm (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 15:46
Chucka Kahn 
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: numberseven (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 16:11
Wow wow and wow
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Rubadubdub; remember Seb Tubb? (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 16:17
Being the geek that i am, then Rathov (wrath of) would be my preferred nick name, with "KHHHHHHAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNN!!!!!" Being the try scoring chant.
Great signing!!
Great signing!!
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Robby Richmond (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 16:51
Who? never heard of him... *
Welcome Chuck.
Welcome Chuck.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Geoff S (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 16:57
Well is that a late Christmas pressy 
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: saintian (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 17:27
What price "Foto-ali" coming from the stands next year, in memory of "Oh Larry", "Oh Lamby" etc etc?
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: McSaracens (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 19:04
Excellent signing for you guys....
Quick question from me, is the plan as reported to play Fotuali'i at 10 for you guys?
“I believe it might have been said before, but there is something special happening at Saracens, and I want to be part of it.” - Nils Mordt
Quick question from me, is the plan as reported to play Fotuali'i at 10 for you guys?
“I believe it might have been said before, but there is something special happening at Saracens, and I want to be part of it.” - Nils Mordt
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 21:09
It might just be where the player sees his future too and he has played there at international level, but to be honest its all part of the great rumour mill at the moment, nothing confirmed just paper talk about his position and it being one of the reasons he joined us.
“I'm only going to say this once, there is nothing special happening at Saracens, and I don't want to be any part of it.” - Soane Tonga'uiha
“I'm only going to say this once, there is nothing special happening at Saracens, and I don't want to be any part of it.” - Soane Tonga'uiha
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Hav,im (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 21:48
Having watched the You Tube clip i cant decide after 3 mins whether he is a 9 or 10.
What i do see is one very powerful, quick thinking big unit who will give us "go forward" ball.
Welcome to the Saints Chucker.
Chris G. That strapline is pure genius mate.
What i do see is one very powerful, quick thinking big unit who will give us "go forward" ball.
Welcome to the Saints Chucker.
Chris G. That strapline is pure genius mate.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: McSaracens (IP Logged)
Date: 24/01/2013 21:54
Cheers Chris. Will certainly watch on with interest, great signing as I said originally.
“I believe it might have been said before, but there is something special happening at Saracens, and I want to be part of it.” - Nils Mordt
“I believe it might have been said before, but there is something special happening at Saracens, and I want to be part of it.” - Nils Mordt
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: David Tavener (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 00:24
As far as a supporter side of things we don't actually know what he has been signed for on the basis of the press comments in the last week.
However we do know he can play both half back positions and we all look forward to seeing how he fits in next season.
It could be that he becomes the reserve fly half and the bench spot is opened to another back for positional switching.
As for the You tube clip, i'm excited by what he might be able to bring but also wary that half of them clips are at least 3 years old and could well be older with the exception of the samoan international ones as he only started them since 2010. The question is can he bring all that for a whole season in a tigher game than the southern hemisphere? I certainly look forward to finding out.
However we do know he can play both half back positions and we all look forward to seeing how he fits in next season.
It could be that he becomes the reserve fly half and the bench spot is opened to another back for positional switching.
As for the You tube clip, i'm excited by what he might be able to bring but also wary that half of them clips are at least 3 years old and could well be older with the exception of the samoan international ones as he only started them since 2010. The question is can he bring all that for a whole season in a tigher game than the southern hemisphere? I certainly look forward to finding out.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: LastKnight (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 00:47
He's a superb SH. I've watched quite a bit of him playing for the Chavs and he is an absolutely cracking player. Works very well off the base, great game management, box kick, break, complete package.
He's the sort of 9 that makes an average 10 look good.
Great bit of business for you guys.
He's the sort of 9 that makes an average 10 look good.
Great bit of business for you guys.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Eif Jones (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 03:29
He's a top class 9, didn't feature for Samoa at 10 in the recent RWC even though their first choice was injured for part of the tournament.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Neil-H (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 06:39
Eif, but that might be because the second choice fly half was a stronger option than second choice scrummie...
Hence they stronger keeping him at 9
Hence they stronger keeping him at 9
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: StBleach (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 07:41
Can he kick goals? Just curious.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: Neil-H (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 07:44
Yes, he has kicked before, but not sure of his % though.
Remember Wilson has also been a front line kicker, so if both in team?
Remember Wilson has also been a front line kicker, so if both in team?
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: ChrisG (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 07:45
Apparently so Rob, to what degree I don't know but it was mentioned somewhere yesterday.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: BrianB (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 08:54
The offy describes him as a scrum half - if that's anything to go by....
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: St Owen (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 11:09
The offy also describes Noah Cato as being in our squad.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: BrianB (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 11:45
Why isn't he?
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: St Owen (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 12:06
I wonder sometimes.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: riverlodge (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 12:52
St Owen please use the irony smiley more often.
Re: News: Saints confirm Kahn Fotuali'i signing!
Posted by: bonso (IP Logged)
Date: 25/01/2013 23:39
Just throwing this out here maybe a great Samoan axis in the offing with Tusi in a year or so. I know Tusi is in contract but hey you never know.
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