Intercept King JDV
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SourceThe Reds have signed experienced former Wallaby forward Radike Samo as an injury replacement for captain and lock James Horwill.
Fijian-born Samo, 33, who has been playing in Japan after a stint in France, made his test debut in 2004 against Scotland while playing for the Brumbies and played six tests that year.
Reds Head Coach Ewen McKenzie said the Reds had been talking to Samo since Horwill suffered his season-ending knee injury but family matters prevented him joining the team until now.
Samo returned to Australia in February and has been playing club rugby in Sydney until this week.
"We always knew we'd be walking a bit of a tightrope in the lock position until we found cover for James for the rest of the year and we'd been lucky so far not to get caught short," McKenzie said.
"But with Van (Humphries) injured, Radike's arrival has come at the right time.
"Having more depth at lock will help immensely with some of the big games ahead and adding his experience to the squad will also be invaluable."
Samo played 35 Super Rugby games and scored four tries for the Brumbies between 2000 and 2006, also starring in the Brumbies 2004 championship campaign.
Meanwhile, Reds lock Humphries will miss this Friday's match against the Stormers with muscle and ligament damage to his ankle.
McKenzie said his fitness will be reassessed next week.
Wow what a surprise to hear his name again!Thought he retired a long time ago but now I see he's been making it big in Japan?He still won't be a match for Bekker though