Northampton Saints have signed United States international lock forward Samu Manoa for next season.

The 26-year-old has one cap with the US Eagles, won against Georgia last November, and joins from San Francisco Golden Gate RFC.

"We have been impressed by what we have seen of Samu," Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder told the club's website.

"He is physical, has good ball skills and an outstanding turn of pace for a big man."

Mallinder added: "He is eager to make the most of his opportunity in England and wants to succeed in the Premiership.

"We're looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Saints environment."

Manoa can also play in the back row and has experience of club rugby in New Zealand.

Last October, he scored the winning try for the Eagles in their win over Tonga 'A', his ancestral home, and followed that up with a score against Argentina Jaguars five days later.

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