Tahs sign on Anesi?

The Australian - Tuesday, August 25, 2009 10:47 AM

NSW Waratahs are poised to sign former All Blacks winger Sosene Anesi for next year's Super 14 series.

Anesi, who played one Test against Fiji in 2005, will replace sacked Wallabies winger Lote Tuqiri.

A member of the Chiefs' Super rugby squad for five years, Anesi made his debut against the Waratahs in 2005.

Anesi also won a gold medal as part of the New Zealand sevens team at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Despite his undoubted talent, Anesi has had difficulty securing a starting place with the Chiefs, who boast arguably the best back three in the Super 14 - All Blacks Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga.

Anesi, 28, will be the third marquee import to play for an
Australian province following New Zealand openside flanker Daniel Braid at Queensland Reds and Kiwi prop Ben Castle at the Western Force, moves made possible by the ARU's decision to re-open the door to foreign players.

He will offer the Waratahs experience and great ball skills at either wing or fullback.