Francis Saili joins Harlequins

Harlequins have confirmed the signing of All Black Francis Saili.

The 26-year-old joins Harlequins from Pro12 side Munster Rugby, spending two seasons in the Province after three years playing for the Blues in Super Rugby.

In 2013, Saili was capped twice by the All Blacks, debuting against Argentina in the Rugby Championship before facing Japan in Tokyo. He also represented the Barbarians in 2014, in a match against Australia at Twickenham Stadium.  

Saili was part of the victorious New Zealand side that won the 2011 U20s Junior World Championship. He started in the final against England playing alongside Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Charles Piutau and Beauden Barrett.

After representing Auckland in provincial rugby, Saili made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2012. In his three seasons with the Blues, he scored seven tries in 42 appearances.

A move to Munster followed in 2015 where Saili's nine tries in 40 appearances helped the Province to the 2016/17 Pro12 Final after finishing top of the standings in the regular season.

He is a pacy and exciting centre, with exceptional running skills and a deceptive step. The utility back also has the ability to operate on the wing. 

The 26-year-old joins Demetri Catrakilis, Renaldo Bothma, Dave Lewis, Phil Swainston, Lewis Boyce and Josh McNulty as Harlequins' new recruits for the 2017/18 season.