Rugby World Cup 2015: Toulon signing Salesi Ma’afu warns Wallabies face a huge test against England

HE is the Aussie prop who has just been signed by the richest club in the world, and Salesi Ma’afu has warned the Wallabies they face a huge Test at the World Cup against England.

HE is the Aussie prop who has just been signed by the richest club in the world, and Salesi Ma’afu has warned the Wallabies they face a huge Test at the World Cup against England.

Ma’afu has inked a two-year deal with French giants Toulon, after spending the past two seasons playing in England with many of the forwards who plan to torment Australia in the World Cup.

Unfortunately for the Wallabies, Ma’afu will be watching the tournament from his lounge room, despite being one of the form front rowers in the world and having intimate knowledge of Australia’s pool group rivals.

Ma’afu, 32, joined English club Northampton in 2013 having played just 14 Tests for Australia, and declared he has no interest in returning home after establishing himself in the northern hemisphere.

“I’ve been playing alongside the likes Dylan Hartley, Alex Corbisiero, Courtney Lawes and Tom Wood all who are regular starters in the England pack and it’s been great to work with them day in day out and pick up on different skill sets such as scrum and maul - both areas Australia will be put to the test when they arrive for the World Cup,” Ma’afu told the Sunday Telegraph.

“And whether they do well in those areas or not it will affect their game and possibly the result.”

On his new deal with Toulon, where he will play alongside former Wallabies Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell, possibly Quade Cooper and lock Mark Chisolm, as well as some of the game’s biggest names, Ma’afu plans to win European titles.

“It’s exciting, they’ve been setting the benchmark playing great rugby and winning titles in two very tough competitions and to be given an opportunity to be a part of that moving forward among some of the world’s best is brilliant.,” Ma’afu said.

“It’s going be good to be working with Gits and Drew again and possibly Quade and Chis too.

“We are all familiar with each other from back home and it’s one of many things to look forward to in the move.

“I haven’t heard anything about either Quade or Chis in regards to playing here next season but I guess we’ll all find out soon.”

British press have been full of high praise for Ma’afu since his defection from Australia, and the player says his career has only gone from strength to strength.

“It definitely has, whether it’s the best thing I’ve done, that’s something I’ll have to look at when I’m done playing and decide,” Ma’afu said.

“Since arriving here I’ve really enjoyed my rugby and it’s been really good learning and developing my game, especially for a tighthead which is the main reason I decided to come here and I feel that I’ve achieved that here in England so far.

“I enjoy the balance between rugby and lifestyle here because I’m home more to spend time with my family, so I don’t miss being away for weeks at a time numerous times throughout the year.”

Did he have any interest returning to Australia?

“No, before I left Australia I had put a lot of thought into what I was about to commit to, and what I was prepared to leave behind once setting it in motion,” Ma’afu said.

“Things have only gotten better for me both on and off the field and I’m still keen to remain here and keep going.”

And Ma’afu has also expanded his repertoire off the field in England, taking a keen interest in outdoor activities.

He says he won’t be spoiling himself too much with his new contract money, but did reveal he will purchase some new toys before relocating to the sunny south coast of France.

“I’ve picked up on some hobbies since arriving here so maybe some new hunting gear and fishing rods - both perfect for my new home with the location and weather,” Ma’afu said.

Originally published as Rugby World Cup 2015: Toulon signing Salesi Ma’afu warns Wallabies face a huge test against England