Fisilau delighted to sign a new contract at Brickfields

KENI FISILAU is delighted to have the chance to extend his Plymouth Albion career by at least another year.

The long-serving centre, who is Albion's all-time record league appearance holder, has just signed a new 12 month contract with the Championship side.

The 2012-13 season with be his 12th at the club, having joined Albion in 2001 when they were in National League Division Two.

Fisilau may have just turned 36, but he believes he still has another two years left in him and he does not want to play for anyone other than Albion.

"I want to finish my career at Plymouth," said Fisilau.

"I'm very pleased to have the chance to keep playing for Plymouth."

Albion coach Nat Saumi was happy to offer Fisilau a new deal.

"He is an experienced guy, who works really hard," said Saumi.

"He is really fit. He is much fitter than most of the backs. In fact, I think he is the fittest and you combine that with experience.

"He deserves to be there in the squad."

Fisilau was having a good season for Albion last term until he was surprisingly handed an 18-week ban after being cited for a dangerous tackle against London Scottish. It meant he missed the final couple of months of the season.

"The suspension was hard and it was a difficult time for me," said Fisilau.

"I felt unlucky to have such a long ban. I did not even get a yellow card in that game.

"But there are laws in rugby and you have to be very careful.

"I have learned so much from that.

"I have got to move on from that and forget about it."

Fisilau's ban ends next week and means he can play in his testimonial match on Friday, May 25.

The game will see a South Sea Islanders XV take on a South West Select XV at Brickfields.

Fisilau is excited about the match as it will give him the chance to catch up with some old friends.

"A lot of (South Sea) Islanders want to play," said Fisilau.

"There are two testimonials that weekend that they want to play in.

"Mine is on the Friday and Soane Tonga'uiha, the Northampton player, has one on the Sunday.

"All the players are going to come here and then go up there (to Northampton) to play on the Sunday."

Fisilau believes his testimonial match will be good entertainment.

"Hopefully, people will come and watch a good style of rugby," he said.

"It will also hopefully be a family fun day for the kids. Devonport Services under-nines will play Ivybridge before the main game."

Fisilau will have a special guest in the stands on May 25 – his father.

Fisilau's dad has never been over to England before.

"My dad is coming over for the game and then we are all going back home together for a holiday.

"He has never flown for more than four hours before.

"It is going to be special to me having him there."

Fisilau also had a special moment earlier this month when the Tongan High Commissioner for the UK and Europe attended his testimonial dinner.

The High Commissioner brought best wishes from the Tongan King and Prime Minister.

"That was really nice," admitted Fisilau. "It was quite special to hear that."

Fisilau is looking forward to his family holiday in Tonga after his testimonial game.

"I have not been back for six years," he said.

"It will be a really good experience for the kids to spend some time with their family and especially their grandparents, who are both still alive."