Army players at Gloucester RFC
Season 2008-2009

Satala completes season-long deal

By Alastair Downey - 30 September 2008, 12:24 pm

Apo Satala, the Army number eight and former Leeds Carnegie player, has signed a contract with Gloucester until the end of the season.

Although he will still be eligible for key Army matches, Satala has made a big impression during pre-season and in a number of A team games while he has been on trial at Kingsholm. He will sit on the bench against Newcastle in the Guinness Premiership tonight.

The Fijian Sevens star made his Gloucester debut as a replacement against Glasgow in August and Gloucester’s head coach Dean Ryan said: “We have been hugely impressed by Apo since his involvement with us.

“His skill set has been exposed and enhanced on the sevens circuit, he is a tremendous physical presence and has added a great deal to our squad in the short time he has been involved with us. I am looking forward to working with him for the rest of the season because what we have seen so far has been very exciting.

“We naturally have a lot of quality across our back row and Apo will only add to that. I would like to thank the Army for their co-operation in allowing this deal to happen.”

Satala, who scored twice for Leeds last season against Bath in the Guinness Premiership, added: “To be given this opportunity with Gloucester is something I will relish and it is now up to me to work as hard as I can.

“It has been a great experience already – I am very fortunate to be involved with such a talented squad and I am desperate to contribute as much as I can from now until the end of the season.”

Extract from www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

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Satala scores for Gloucester

Private Apolosi Satala (1 SCOTS) and Private Joe Kava (23 Pnr Regt RLC) are both currently playing at Gloucester RFC.

Apo played for the Gloucester A team on Monday night and scored, which capped a powerful and impressive performance.

Private Apolosi Satala

Private Joe Kava

Extract from www.gloucesterrugbyclub.com

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Cornwell thrilled with A team victory

By Alastair Downey - 9 September 2008, 8:49 am

GLOUCESTER got their Guinness A League campaign off to a victorious start last night, to the delight of coach Mark Cornwell. The Kingsholm side scored three tries through Apo Satala, Henry Trinder and Dan Norton to beat Sale Jets 23-18.

"It was a really gutsy, mature and physical performance - I was delighted," Cornwell said. "The average age of our backline was 20, both our centres were 18, but we were dangerous, quick and controlled the game.

"I cannot speak highly enough of the effort and focus in our approach. It was great to see from such a young group of players and James Forrester did a great job as captain.

"Apo Satala had an outstanding game. We want to create an environment that is competitive and where young players can learn and progress - that is why I am so pleased because we managed that last night."