Ace signing for Saints as Samoan full-back Tuala joins until the end of the season

The 25-year-old arrives at Franklin’s Gardens as injury cover for Ben Foden, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury.

Tuala, whose nickname is Ace, will compete with James Wilson and Tom Collins for the Saints 15 shirt.

And director of rugby Jim Mallinder is delighted to have acquired the powerful back.

“Ben Foden’s unfortunate injury means that we need cover at full-back ahead of what is a challenging few months for us,” Mallinder said.

“Ahsee is a quality player who can play in a number of positions, and is well known to our other Samoan internationals, who will no doubt help him fit into the culture here at Northampton and the way we do things.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him in action.”

Tuala follows a similar path to compatriot Ken Pisi, having played in New Zealand’s ITM Cup.

He turned out 51 times for Counties Manukau and also trained with the New Zealand Under 20s and Sevens squads before representing Samoan in the November clash with Canada.

He has already started training at Saints and will be available for selection for Saturday’s LV= Cup game against Wasps at the Gardens.

And Tuala tweeted: “Excited to join the @SaintsRugby team..looking forward to the rest of the season..Thank you for the support.”