Tadulala first interested Gloucester when he was at Wakefield

Gloucester have admitted they are interested in a remarkable move for former rugby league wing Semi Tadulala.

The 31-year-old is out of contract with Bradford Bulls and is now part of Fiji's union squad on tour in Europe - despite never playing the sport before.

Gloucester hope Tadulala will play in Fiji's game against Romania on Saturday to assist him in getting a work permit.

"The decision will lie with the financial side of the club," coach Bryan Redpath told BBC Gloucestershire.

"There is nothing that says he is definitely coming to Gloucester."

Tadulala, who played for Fiji at last year's Rugby League World Cup, nearly joined Gloucester in 2006, but work permit issues meant that he stayed in Super League.

"He's been here but at that stage he wasn't available," added Redpath.

"We did target him because we knew we would be short in the autumn international period.

"I think he might be playing for Fiji in Romania on Saturday which would allow him to be involved.

We only have 16 backs in the squad and three of those are scrum-halves Gloucester coach Bryan Redpath

"If Fiji play him he comes into the shop window for everybody else."

Redpath said the move could depend on how quickly Gloucester's injured players returned to fitness.

"We are getting people back now and need to make some decisions," added Redpath.

"We only have 16 backs in the squad and three of those are scrum-halves, and that's not a lot with international duties and injuries.

"Last weekend we didn't have a spare with Jonny May on the bench against Leicester so we are a bit low in that area."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version