TONGAN Sione Tu'ipulotu has become the latest member of Plymouth Albion's rapidly-expanding list of new signings for the 2009/10 Championship season.

Tu'ipulotu, who can play scrum-half or full-back, is Albion chairman of rugby Graham Dawe's fourth capture of the summer.

The much-travelled utility back has joined Albion less than a week after former Exeter Chief forward Tom Skelding switched to Brickfields.

The big lock's former Chiefs team-mate, and another versatile back, Gary Kingdom and ex-Esher forward James Waterhouse make up the quartet – with more to follow.

In signing Tu'ipulotu, Dawe has recruited a 30-year-old who will bring with him experience accrued in two World Cups, six years playing in Wales and, until March, in Japan.

In addition, at 6ft 1in and 15stone-plus, Tu'ipulotu looks to have the bulk and power that Albion fans will know only too well from the Islander's 'best mate' Keni Fisilau.

Tu'ipulotu admitted the flattering recommendations of long-serving centre Fisilau, both about Albion and Plymouth itself, proved to be an irresistible double.

He's relishing the challenge of the new Championship format – play-offs and all – but most of all, he's 'keen to do well for Plymouth'.

"I know Keni very well – he's my best mate and he said Plymouth was a good club and the city was really nice, too, so here I am," said Tu'ipulotu, who is a married man with three children.

"I've only been to Plymouth once before to stay with Keni, but I liked what I saw then and I'm happy to be here now."

Dawe is more than happy he is, too, and who can blame him as one look at Tu'ipulotui's CV is proof positive that his capture is a real rugby man.

Dawe said: "Sione knows how the game is played in England and I hope he has a great period of time here with us.

"He's a multi-talented rugby player who can play in a number of positions comfortably.

"Obviously, Sione's connection and relationship with Keni, who has been here as a player for eight years, and who is someone we can trust, is important too."

For the record, Tu'ipulotu, who is being sponsored by Apex Core Training for the 2009/10 season, played in the 1999 and 2007 World Cup finals and has won 27 caps for Tonga.

One of those caps was against England in the finals two years ago.

His previous employment was in Japan at Yokogawa, but before that he played for two clubs in Wales – for Caerphilly between 2001-03 and Newport-Gwent Dragons from 2003-06.

Former Albion forward Tom Hayes has been confirmed as the new captain of Exeter Chiefs, in place of Richard Baxter, who has relinquished the role.