Manu Samoa international Jonny Faamatuainu originally joined Bath Rugby as short-term second-row cover. But at the end of the 2005/06 season he signed a two-year contract.
He made his mark on the IRB Sevens series circuit before making his full international debut against Scotland in November aged 22, and now has three caps. Described by Manu Samoa coach Michael Jones as one of the quickest sprinters in the Samoan squad, Jonny is a talented back-row player blessed with great pace and footballing ability.
His sometimes unusual style may be entertaining, but it is also effective. Having made Bath Rugby first-team debut during the penultimate game of his first full season against Sale Sharks, last year he notched up nineteen more appearances, and although thirteen of these were from the bench, his pace and deceptive running style more often than not made a significant impact.
