TAUNTON Rugby Club have continued to bolster the Titans squad ahead of the National One Rugby campaign.
The league season is set to kick off this coming Saturday, September 2 as the Titans host Blackheath at Veritas Park.
However a week out from the opener, the club has confirmed three more new signings for the Titans, including a Tongan international.
Elvis Taione has joined the club from Ospreys and will be ready for the opening match this weekend.
The club said: "Elvis needs little introduction, we are delighted to announce that he has committed to Taunton RFC for the 2023/24 season."
Taione played 83 matches for Exeter Chiefs in Super Rugby competition.
On signing forwards coach Chris Brown said: "Elvis brings us experience and knowledge. Having previously played Super Rugby for the Western Force, and the Waratahs, he then plied his trade with Exeter Chiefs and most recently Ospreys.
"We are delighted with the impact he has had and look forward to watching him in a Titans shirt where we are sure his physical attributes will be at the forefront of performance."
As well as Taione, the club confirmed the capture of Niall Armstrong and Ollie Gibbon.
Armstrong was bought up in Ireland and played for Ulster from U16's - U19's when he then spent a year in NZ playing in the Waikato Premiership.
From NZ he travelled to Exeter where he played for the university and won the BUCS final.
Head coach Tony Yapp said: "I've worked closely with Niall over the last 3 seasons and he is our 3rd and final signing from Exeter Uni, where he was integral to Exeter's BUCS Super rugby final win."
And Ollie Gibbon too joins Taunton after time with BUCS.
He started his rugby journey at Topsham RFC from the age of 5 where he played all the way up through to the 1st XV.
He then went on to Exeter College where he played for the AASE team and also Exeter Chiefs academy from U15-U18.
On signing Tony Yapp said: "Ollie Trained with us briefly before heading off to Cardiff Met university, where he has gained valuable experience. Ollie brings a real pace, he possesses a good skill set and has a natural ability to beat defenders."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here