Rotherham Titans have captured New Zealander Palepoi Nonu, as Andre Bester’s recruitment drive for the new season gathers momentum.

Pale, as he prefers to be called, arrives from National Leaugue One side Launceston. Having previously had spells at Mounts Bay and St Mary’s College in Dublin, the 32-year-old, whose younger brother Ma’a plays for the All Blacks, will add power and experience to Rotherham’s back line.

But for visa problems Nonu would have been part of Exeter Chiefs Championship winning side during the 2009-10 campaign. After a three week trial Nonu was offered a contract, but a visa delay meant Nonu missed the cut-off point for registration.

Head coach Andre Bester is delighted to have Pale on board and commented, “I’ve seen him and he has been a stand-out player. He smashed people. “He’s a very good ball carrier and off-loader and will be just what we want, bringing a lot of experience to our midfield. We are very excited about Pale. He’ll be a key man and is an exceptional talent.”