Rugby: Seta Tamanivalu re-signs with Crusaders

Seta Tamanivalu. Photo / Getty

Powerful back Seta Tamanivalu has signed on for a second Super Rugby season with the Crusaders, but right now his thoughts are centred on a more immediate challenge.

Fiji-born Tamanivalu is focused on gearing up for Saturday's Super Rugby semi- final against the Chiefs in Christchurch.

Tamanivalu played two seasons for the Chiefs after his 2015 arrival, moving south this year to play his third Super Rugby season with the Christchurch-based Crusaders.

"When I found we were playing the Chiefs, I couldn't sleep properly because I knew what was coming," he said on Friday.

"It's going to be real tough playing against them, they're going to come in real hard to try and beat us on our home turf, so we've got to be ready for them."

Tamanivalu says the decision to re-sign with the Crusaders was a straight- forward one when he thought about how much he has been enjoying this first year with the team.

"I have been loving playing for this team and learning from the coaches and players around me," he said.

"This has been such a special season for all of us at the Crusaders with so many highlights and great memories, and the best is yet to come.

"There were options to go overseas, but I am not ready to walk away from all of the good stuff here just yet."

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says Tamanivalu, who played three Tests for the All Blacks against Wales last year, had made important contributions on and off the field.

"Seta came here with a winning attitude and a desire to make an impact on this team, and there's no doubt that he has done that," he said.

"We're excited that we will be able to continue working with his natural talents in 2018."

- NZN