The Vodacom Bulls are waiting for Tongan centre Nafi Tuitavake to sort out his visa after signing the player on a two-year-deal

According to Netwerk24, the Bulls were hoping to give Tuitavake his first minutes in the jersey in this weekend’s warm-up games against UP-Tuks. However, a delay in his visa meant that he could not board the plane to South Africa.

Bulls chief executive Alfons Meyer said Tuitavake would remain in New Zealand this weekend.

‘We’re in daily contact with his agent,’ Meyer said. ‘We’re eagerly awaiting his visa to be approved.’

Tuitavake was part of Tonga’s squad for the 2019 World Cup in Japan, playing in the loss to England where he broke his arm and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

The 30-year-old has played 14 Tests for his country since making his debut in 2016 but is yet to score in an international match. He was part of the Crusaders squad for the 2014 Vodacom Super Rugby season before moving to the Northampton Saints in 2016.

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