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Search forAlbion confirm capture of international duo
Friday, August 22, 2008, 07:00
The 24-year-old former Sporting Club Albigeios (Albi) winger was yesterday unveiled by Albion – alongside Tongan scrum-half David Palu – as their latest recruits.
Mensah-Coker has played in some big matches for his country, including the 2007 World Cup and also the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
But the 6'6" tall winger, who weighs 108kg, is more than looking forward to the 2008/09 campaign with Albion.
"I have spent the last two years playing for Albi and before that, in 2006, I had a short pre-season stint with Northampton," said Mensah-Coker.
"I did not sign for Northampton, but my time there has not put me off the English game.
"I have been in France for the past two years, so it is nice to have a change.
"I am pleased to have come to Plymouth – they are a young team and they have a lot of ambition, which is good.
"For me, this is an exciting opportunity and I am really looking forward it.
"I am really excited to see what sort of results we can produce."
Mensah-Coker added: "I am here to play – that is the bottom line and that is my job.
"But I am going to work hard and push myself and, hopefully, push the other boys as well.
"Hopefully, we can get some good results during the season."
Scrum-half Palu, who can also play full-back, has also played in the World Cup.
The 26-year-old, who weighs 95kg and is 5'11" tall, represented Tonga in the 2003 World Cup and was due to play again in 2007, but was unable to due to a family bereavement.
Palu will face a fight for the number nine shirt with fellow summer signing Greg Nicholls and Matt Newman also wanting to wear it.
But the Tongan is determined to prove his worth and nail down a starting spot.
"I can and I have played full-back and I have enjoyed playing there," said Palu.
"But I prefer playing nine – that is where I would play if I had the choice.
"I am aware I will have to fight for the number nine shirt.
"There is good talent here and good competition for places, but it is up to me to rise to it."
Palu will join fellow Tongan, centre Keni Fisilau at Brickfields.
And the scrum-half admitted Fisilau's presence at Albion had a huge role to play in his decision to join Plymouth.
"Keni played a big part in my decision to come to Albion," said Palu.
"The fact that there is another Tongan brother here and knowing Keni has been here since 2001, means that he has enjoyed himself at the club and they have looked after him.
"Having him here will be a big help to me.
"I am looking forward to playing for Plymouth – it is a big boost to my rugby career and it is an exciting opportunity."
Meanwhile, Albion's chairman of rugby Graham Dawe is hoping both players will prove to be astute signings.
"Hopefully, they will enjoy their time here and it proves mutually beneficial," said Dawe.
"Maybe we can help them achieve their goals and maybe they can help us achieve ours."
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