Leinster Rugby have today announced the signing of Samoan centre Ben Te'o, who will move to Dublin once the season has ended for his current club, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. A rugby league player by trade, many will not have the best idea of who Ben Te'o is, so we are here to fix that.
1. He's switching codes.
Ben Te'o has stated in the past that he is keen to give Union a go, but he has only played professional Rugby League, having previously played for Wests Tigers and Brisbane Broncos before joining the Rabbitohs.
2. He's a centre. A big Samoan centre.
While he can't be expected to fill the boots of BOD, Te'o will offer Leinster a big presence in the middle of the pitch, and he also played second-row and prop in his Rugby League career. Although born in New Zealand, Te'o represented Samoa back in 2008.
3. Russell Crowe is probably gutted at his departure.
Te'o is joining Leinster from NRL side South Sydney Rabbitohs, who are owned by Hollywood megastar Russell Crowe, and we are absolutely sure that Maximus Decimus Meridius is devestated.
4. He loves a big hit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyESCn9I0vo
Boom.
5. He represented Queensland at the 2013 State Of Origin series.
Te'o made three appearances from the bench for Queensland at State of Origin in 2013, helping Queensland extend their record for consecutive series victories to eight.
6. He is of no relation to Manti Te'o
He also does not have an imaginary girlfriend, that we are aware of. Many will see the name Te'o and think of the San Diego Chargers linebacker who shot to international fame when his dead girlfriend hoax was exposed, leading him to have to explain his actions to the international media.
7. He doesn't mess about with reporters he doesn't like.
Gerry Thornley would want to watch himself.
