The Toa Dubai hooker Trevor Leota will make his debut with the Bridgend Blue Bulls in the Co-operative Welsh Conference Premier league at Porthcawl on Saturday in only his second rugby league game. Leota, who was formerly with Wasps in the English Premiership, has spent the last season based with the UAE's newest rugby club playing in the Arabian Gulf Emirates League, while also appearing at the Dubai Sevens. The 35-year-old Leota, who won 30 caps in rugby union with Samoa, asked the Blue Bulls for a match and goes into their side to play local rivals Blackwood Bulldogs in a repeat of the 2009 Welsh Grand Final. "It's a great coup for us to sign Trevor," said chairman Simon Green. "He's staying with a friend in the area this summer and we hope to have him for a number of games this season.
"He contacted me asking if he could play so obviously we welcomed him in with open arms." Leota, who was in the Samoan team that beat Wales 38-31 in the 1999 Rugby Union World Cup at the Millennium Stadium, played one rugby league game for West London Sharks, coincidentally against Bridgend, in 2004 while he was contracted with Wasps after gaining permission from then coach Warren Gatland. "I remember playing against Trevor six years ago and I still bear the bruises," said Bridgend coach Jon Purnell. "So I'm very glad he's on our side this time." * PA