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Former Fiji international Ropate Rinakama has signed for the Manawatū Turbos for 2021 & 2022.

The 33-year-old tighthead prop has moved to Palmerston North and linked up with College Old Boys.

Rinakama’s career has taken him around the world and recently has also included stints as a scrum coach.

His experience will be a key asset to the young Turbos pack.

Rinakama’s provincial career started with North Harbour in 2013 when he picked up five caps.

The Mount Albert Grammar alumni was signed by Northland in 2017 when his outstanding form saw him called into the Fiji national squad.

He made his international debut against Italy in Catania in November 2017.

Rinakama signed with French club Grenoble in 2018 and once again was part of the Fijian squad.

But he returned to Northland for the provincial campaign lifting his record for the Taniwhas to 21 games.

The following year he signed with English club Worcester Warriors.

At the conclusion of the deal he returned to Auckland as a player/ coach with Suburbs club.

But now the passionate front-rower has turned his attentions to Manawatū where he hopes to show his intimate knowledge of the dark arts of scummaging in green and white.

The 21-year-old Chiefs Development player, who can cover wing and centre, brings some blockbusting finishing skills to the Turbos.

He has long been earmarked for great things having impressed as a schoolboy out of Rotorua Boys’ High School, including being named in the Condor Sevens tournament team.

He has played for the Bay of Plenty Development team, Chiefs Under 20s, Tonga Under 20s and Chiefs Development XV.