The player who has quietly been tearing up European rugby
Heineken Champions Cup winners and repeat finalists La Rochelle have a star-studded squad, largely in the pack. Titans such as Uini Atonio, Will Skelton and Gregory Alldritt all steal the headlines for Ronan O’Gara’s side, but there is class across the entire XV.
There are some players that do not necessarily get the plaudits that their teammates get, despite being just as influential. Centre UJ Seuteni falls into that category.
The 29-year-old has just come from a Champions Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs where he scored a try, got an outrageous assist and was even named man of the match, so it is not exactly like he has not been noticed, but the Samoa international has been playing at that level for a number of years now.
Having arrived from Bordeaux Begles at the beginning of the season, Seuteni has been a brilliant signing for La Rochelle, and one that will not only help in their pursuit to retain the Champions Cup against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in two weeks, but can help his side challenge for the Top 14 as well. La Rochelle sit in second place in the league, only one point behind leaders Toulouse with two rounds remaining, so their hopes of a double are very much alive.
Yoe Rugby recently shared Seuteni’s highlights reel from the last couple of seasons, and it shows why the European champions went after him. Slick hands and delectable running lines are the hallmark of great centres, and the La Rochelle man ticks both boxes.
Take a look at his highlights:
