Waratahs loan Polota-Nau from Tigers as injury cover

Leicester Tigers prop Tatafu Polota-Nau has returned to the Waratahs on a short-term loan to help ease the Super Rugby side’s front-row woes.

Australia international Polota-Nau, who is expected to return to Leicester before the end of March, could make his debut against the Reds at the SCG on Saturday.

The 33-year-old was drafted in by the Waratahs after hooker Tolu Latu received a six-week suspension after diving into a ruck near the end of the 31-30 win over the Sunwolves on February 23.

With props Tom Robertson and Shambeckler Vui already out injured, head coach Daryl Gibson has moved to strengthen his options in the pack.

“We are pleased to welcome home internationally renowned hooker and Waratahs’ own Tatafu Polota-Nau, to help fill a short term need with our squad,” said Gibson.

“With some of the squad unavailable for selection due to injury we needed to look at who could immediately slot into the Super Rugby level competition and was a good fit with our squad… Tatafu fits the bill.

“From a timing perspective it worked well with the Leicester Tigers calendar and we are currently finalising the paperwork.

“It’s a win-win for us and Tatafu, who’ll have the opportunity to get game time in front of the Australian coaches and selectors during this World Cup year.”

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