Kieron Fonotia reported for duty at Llandarcy Academy of Sport for the first time on Monday where, after a thorough medical check, he was cleared to target a potential Ospreys debut next week.
- Fonotia has signed a two-year deal with the Ospreys
- A regular in Crusaders star-studded backline for the last three seasons, he started 2014 Super Rugby on the wing but has featured predominantly as a centre this season
- Played his final game in New Zealand nine days, featuring for Tasman Makos in the final of the Mitre 10 Cup where he limped out of the action early - but has now been cleared for duty following a medical check on his first day at Llandarcy Academy of Sport
The 28-year old, capable of playing in the centre or wing, arrived in Swansea at the end of last week and, after spending the weekend acclimatising following his long flight from New Zealand, the Christchurch born former Crusader is raring to go.
A Super Rugby runner-up in 2014, he bid farewell to his homeland after making his final appearance in a Mitre 10 Cup Final defeat with Tasman Makos, against Canterbury eight days ago. He left the field at the AMI Stadium early with an ankle injury but it was confirmed on Monday that there is no lasting damage.
Speaking after his medical check-up at the Ospreys’ training base, Fonotia said:
“Everything’s good, there’s no problem and I’m really looking forward to getting involved.”
Meanwhile, Chris Towers, Medical Performance Manager, added:
“The plan for Kieron is to use this week as an acclimatisation period, getting used to the environment. He’ll do some skills work and some strength and conditioning, with a view to being integrated into the squad next week and potential selection for the Cardiff Blues games.
“He did pick up a minor injury in his final game in New Zealand but we’ve checked him out thoroughly and it won’t have any impact on him in terms of his preparation for what could be his debut next week.”
Check out Ospreys TV later today for Kieron’s first interview as an Ospreys player.
Later in the week you can put your questions to Kieron via our social media channels – make sure you are following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook now!
