Paulo (25) has three Samoan caps, including his country’s
shock 26-19 win at the Millennium Stadium last November, while he also counts
Ulster and Super XV side the Blues among his former employers.
The six foot six lock adds to the Blues’ recent signings
Matthew Rees and Gethin Jenkins, who are set to join the region in the summer,
and will help provide cover for their Welsh stars when the Six Nations is in
progress.
The New Zealand-born player said: “I am very excited to be
joining Cardiff Blues. I know a lot of great players have worn the team’s
colours, so I am extremely grateful to be offered this opportunity and I will
be giving my all in order to meet the high standards set by my team-mates, the
coaching staff and the supporters.
“Cardiff is a great city and the people are very friendly,
which will make the transition to Wales much easier. The dedicated fans and
awesome game atmosphere are second to none, so I am really looking forward to
the challenge.”
Blues’ director of rugby Phil Davies said: “We are looking
at specialist positions in recruitment, such as front row players and scrum
halves.
“However, wherever possible in your back five of the scrum
or the back five from the half backs, centres, wingers and full backs we are
looking for some versatility. Because of the restrictions of the salary cap it
is important to have certain versatility.
“Taking those principals on board, Filo’s ability to play at
four, five, six or eight was a big influence on him coming here. He is the
right age profile and has an immaculate injury record, physically he is
extremely fit. He will definitely add value to the current crop of back five
players for us.
“He will be with us all the time, week in week out, and we
have four other second rows who are all Welsh qualified. His arrival will add strength
and depth to the team.”
Paulo’s other Samoan appearances also came in last year’s
Autumn Internationals against France and also against Canada at Colwyn Bay’s
Eirias Park.
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