Code switch for Siva Naulago

Fiji-born rugby league star Ratu Siva Naulago who currently plays in the UK's top rugby league competition is making the switch to rugby union.

The 28-year-old has scored an impressive 17 tries in 21 appearances for Hull FC in the Super League competition.

Naulago is a serving soldier in the British Army and has been given a temporary release from active service to pursue this opportunity.

He has also represented the British Army on the international stage in both the 15-man code, as well as 7s rugby.

Naulago has also enjoyed guest stints in rugby union, representing both Bath and Saracens in the Premiership Sevens and the British Army in the Babcock Trophy at Twickenham.

The Bristol Bears rugby team confirmed in a statement last night that they have signed Naulago to represent the side in England's top division of rugby — the English Premiership.

Naulago has signed a two-year deal which will finish at the end of 2023.

The Bristol Bears Director of Rugby Pat Lam says Naulago is incredibly fit, with great pace and an eye for the try line.

Lam says Naulago has been consistently outstanding in his relatively short time in the Super League and a lot of people are sitting up and taking notice of his spectacular performances.

Naulago says he is delighted to have signed for the Bristol Bears for the next few seasons.

He says Pat Lam has put together a great squad in recent years and the team is really starting to make their mark both in the English Premiership and European competitions.

Naulago adds the Bristol Bears play a really attractive brand of rugby which he thinks will suit him and get the best out of him as a player.

He says moving to Bristol means he and his wife will be close to family and friends also.

Naulago is a Private in the British Army.

He moved to the UK at the age of 18 to join the British Army.

After joining the British Army, Naulago soon became a mortarman in the first battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment, before being stationed in Cyprus for two years and making a brief trip to Afghanistan.