By James Roach
May 19 2005

Coventry have signed powerhouse Tongan centre Siua 'Josh' Taumalolo in a double swoop on Sale Sharks. The 28-year-old, who also plays at full-back, will be at the Butts Park Arena next season along with 22-year-old England Counties utility back James Moore, who has been on loan at Orrell.

From the official site:

Coventry have signed powerhouse Tongan centre Siua 'Josh' Taumalolo in a double swoop on Sale Sharks.

The 28-year-old, who also plays at full-back, will be at the Butts Park Arena next season along with 22-year-old England Counties utility back James Moore, who has been on loan at Orrell.

Taumalolo - the first Tongan to represent the Barbarians - played at Ebbw Vale, Bridgend and Harlequins before moving to Sale where his appearances have been limited by a calf injury.

Moore, who made his Premiership bow for Sale at Northampton in October, is a goalkicking full-back or winger who is equally at home at halfback and played fly-half against Cov at the Butts Park Arena in January.

"We are very excited at both signings," said Cov's chief executive Ian Carvell.

"Josh is a tremendous player who has only played at the highest level in England, and we are happy that he is fit again and will make a big impact for us next season.

"James is an extremely talented young player who impressed against us down here and will only improve."

Flanker Gareth Gravell has signed a new contract to remain at Cov next season.

Meanwhile, Gloucester's director of rugby Nigel Melville has told Cov that the Premiership club will not be making an offer to scrum-half Shaun Perry, who has also been linked with a move to Bristol.