Fa'afili made only two starts for Biarritz this season

Leeds Carnegie have signed winger Henry Fa'afili from French club Biarritz on a two-year deal.

The Samoan, who turns 29 next week, converted two years ago from rugby league where he played for Warrington Wolves and New Zealand Warriors.

The ex-New Zealand league international said: "Leeds is a very impressive club both on and off the field and they have got some good personnel in the squad.

"It is the chance to have a fresh start for me and that is very exciting."

In his final season in the Super League Fa'afili finished as top try scorer with 22 tries in 29 games.

It capped an impressive four years in Cheshire, with a total of 72 tries in 92 appearances for Warrington.

He has nine caps for New Zealand in league and has also appeared for Samoa in both codes.

It will be great to be working with Andy and Neil and they can teach me so much and I am willing to learn. I can't wait Henry Fa'afili

Fa'afili added: "I am really excited about coming to Leeds Carnegie. I came over a couple of weeks ago and met some of the guys and I am just looking forward to getting back and starting pre-season with the team.

"I know Fosi Pala'amo from the Samoa squad and obviously Henry Paul from my league days. I am looking forward to playing alongside these guys at Headingley Carnegie.

"It is an awesome ground with a special atmosphere and I am looking forward to calling it home having played there as a visitor in the past."

606: DEBATE Have your say on this deal

Before he joins up with the Carnegie squad, Fa'afili will be part of the Samoa squad in the Pacific Nations Cup alongside new team-mate Pala'amo.

"I sat down and spoke to Andy [Key] and Neil [Back] and their vision for the team persuaded me to sign for Leeds Carnegie," he said.

"It was tough for me when I first switched codes in France with the language barrier and I know I have a lot still to learn.

"But it will be great to be working with Andy and Neil and they can teach me so much and I am willing to learn. I can't wait," added Fa'afili.

He is a powerful runner and I am sure he is a player that the Leeds Carnegie fans will instantly take to and enjoy watching him play Director of rugby Andy Key

Ahead of their return to the Premiership the West Yorkshire side have already captured second-row Marco Wentzel from Leicester and Alfie To'ola from Bristol, while prop Juan Gomez has signed on a permanent basis having been on loan from Leinster last season.

The club hope to announce another signing in the near future once the paperwork has been agreed.

Director of rugby Andy Key stated: "We are delighted to have finally agreed the deal to bring Henry to the club.

"He is going to be a great addition to our back line and is a proven try scorer in both codes.

"He is a powerful runner and I am sure he is a player that the Leeds Carnegie fans will instantly take to and enjoy watching him play."

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