Taulagi steps out of 'comfort zone' with code switch to French Top 14 new boys

Promoted French Top 14 rugby club Vannes on Thursday announced the signing of rugby league World Cup winner Murray Taulagi. 

The 27-year-old, who has played for both Australia and Samoa and switches codes after a decade playing rugby league, has signed a two-year deal.

Although initially trained in rugby union, New Zealand-born Taulagi built his career in rugby league with the North Queensland Cowboys from 2019.

"I'm eager to take on this new challenge, to experience this adventure and everything it entails," said Taulagi ahead of his move to Brittany.

"I look forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in this new culture."

Taulagi was part of the Australian squad that won the 2021 rugby league World Cup, which was held in 2022 due to the Covid pandemic.

He also helped Queensland to victory in the State of Origin series -- an annual best-of-three rugby league series against New South Wales -- in 2022 and 2023.

"Powerful, fast, and capable of making the difference in one-on-one situations, he will bring his athletic qualities and experience to the Vannes squad," the north-western French club said in a statement.

Vannes had already announced the signing of Fiji scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli on a two-year deal and his compatriot Inia Tabuavou, a centre, along with Argentina lock Matias Alemanno and French winger Nathanael Hulleu for their return to the Top 14.