Junior Sa’u “excited for new challenge ahead” after switching codes

Junior Sa’u says he is “excited for the new challenge ahead” after switching codes to join Washington Old Glory. 

The 34-year-old left Leigh at the end of the season following the expiry of his contract.

Sa’u has now been unveiled as the first signing by Washington Old Glory for the 2022 Major League Rugby season.

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On joining DC, Sa’u said: “I am grateful to be joining Old Glory for the up and coming 2022 MLR season.

“I’m looking forward to meeting you all, but most importantly, ripping in and having a successful season. See you guys all soon.”

Washington coach Andrew Douglas said: “It’s exciting to have a player with Junior’s resume at Old Glory.

“He’s a powerful, dynamic runner and a fearsome defender. His experience at his levels in League will bring confidence to other players. He’s an exciting signing not just for Old Glory but for Major League Rugby as well.”

Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LQtrkTJAQJ

— Junior Sa'u (@junior_sau) October 16, 2021

Sa’u scored 89 tries in 252 games during his rugby league career for Newcastle Knights, Melbourne Storm, Salford, Wakefield and Leigh. The Auckland-born centre won nine caps for New Zealand and two for Samoa.

In an emotional farewell post to rugby league, Sa’u wrote: “Wow! Where do I start? Being a young boy growing up in Woodridge in Brisbane, Australia, all I wanted was to play professional rugby league and to look back now and to do it for 14 years and played over 250+ career games and to get to represent my country New Zealand and the birthplace of my parents Samoa – it’s a dream come true and something that I will be forever grateful for.

“To Newcastle Knights, Melbourne Storm, Salford Red Devils, Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Centurions – thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play for your club. It means a lot to me.

“To all my brothers I shared the field with and the coaches I’ve had – thank you.

“I’m excited for the new challenge ahead.”

Sa’u was part of the New Zealand squad that won the 2010 Four Nations and played for Samoa in the 2013 World Cup.