TAUNTON Titans RFC second rower Ratu Vakalutukali has reached the very impressive milestone of 150 club appearances.

The Fijian forward was honoured at Taunton's final home game of 2023 after he reached the milestone.

More commonly known as 'Toots' by everyone at the club, Ratu was presented an award by former playing partner, TRFC naming rights partner and matchday sponsor, Ben Turner from Veritas Glazing Solutions.

Also on hand to help recognise the achievement was Jack Mathews another former player and ex-president and also present was one of Ben's guests David Silvester who is the Head of Athletic performance for Fiji Rugby Union.

A spokesperson for the club said: "Congratulations to 'Toots' who reached 150 caps for the Taunton Titans.

"Toots has given so much to our club and is someone who always puts in 100% into every performance."

Speaking earlier in 2023, Ratu said: "This club has been amazing to me and my family.

"I am so happy here and that is because of the community spirit at Taunton Rugby Club.

"It stems from the players, the coaching staff and the backroom staff, everybody has made me welcome and makes this a great place to play rugby," Ratu said.

Fijian born, Ratu moved to England after graduating boarding school in his home country and joined the Marines.

"When I finished school in Fiji I worked on my family farm for a little while but I wanted to experience something new so I moved to England.

"After I finished my training for the marines I was stationed in Taunton and from there I joined the rugby club."

Head coach Tony Yapp said you will not find a better team player, leader, and most importantly a nicer bloke than Ratu.

"Honestly he is unbelievable, he is Taunton Rugby Club, he is everything that is good about the club.

"He works hard, he is a great bloke, very loyal and very humble.

"I know every week when you pick him you know you will get a great performance, he is probably the first player on the team sheet," Yapp said.

When asked what the best thing about Taunton Rugby Club is, Ratu made it quite clear what he thought.

"Honestly the best thing and my favourite part about this club is the feeling of family and the feeling of belonging.

"You just cant beat it."