Glen Fisiiahi to depart Warriors for rugby union

WARRIORS fullback Glen Fisiiahi will leave the Warriors at the end of the season to pursue a career in rugby union.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 29: Glen Fisiiahi of the Warriors looks to gather a loose ball to score his third try of the game during the round four NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers at Westpac Stadium on March 29, 2014 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

WARRIORS flyer Glen Fisiiahi will depart the club at the end of the season to take up a career in rugby union.

The 24-year old was a star in the junior ranks for the Kiwi outfit, but has struggled for consistent first grade opportunities since making his debut in 2011.

Fisiiahi was a star rugby player as a junior, was a regular in the first XV in noted rugby nursery Wesley College and will link up with New Zealand Super Rugby side the Chiefs.

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Fisiiahi made his NRL debut in 2011.

Blessed with incredible speed, Fisiiahi has played just six matches in the past two season and only one in 2015.

“There has never been a question about Glen’s ability. He’s a hugely exciting player when he’s fit,” said Warriors coach Andrew McFadden.

“We’ve seen glimpses of what he can do, like the four tries he scored against the Tigers in Wellington last year.

“It’s been frustrating for him, though, because while the potential was obviously there he just hasn’t been able to get on the field often enough and he has now decided he wants to have a shot at rugby union instead.

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“Glen is disappointed rugby league hasn’t worked out the way he’d hoped and so are we. We’d all been hoping he would come through his setbacks but it wasn’t to be. We wish him all the best in rugby union and we’ll certainly be watching his progress with interest.”

Fisiiahi is the second Warriors back to depart the code in recent weeks following the signing of nuggety centre/winger Ngani Laumape by the Super Rugby side the Hurricanes.

All told, Fisiiahi played 25 top grade matches, scoring 15 tries.

He also played three Test matches for Tonga, scoring two tries.