Takiari signs for Force

The Western Force have signed New Zealand-born prop Troy Takiari on their Super 14 rugby roster.

Takiari made his Super 14 debut for the Waratahs this season against the Bulls in Pretoria and added a second cap against the Sharks in Sydney in round four.

Takiari, at 120kg and 1.92m, is one of the bigger props in Australia and can play on both sides of the scrum.

Force coach John Mitchell said Takiari would add depth and size to the squad's forward pack.

"Troy is a terrific technician at scrum time and is also very solid at the breakdown. He is tall for a prop, which makes him an awkward package for opposition front rows," Mitchell said today.

"He is also very mobile for his size, and could develop into a damaging ball runner given the opportunity."

A former member of the Brumbies Academy and Brumby Runners program, Takiari also spent time playing semi-professional rugby in the Scottish Borders with the Hawick club. He signed with the Waratahs in 2005.

Takiari's father, Mohi, played for the New Zealand Services and captained an ACT side during the 1980s that included David Campese and Ricky Stuart.

- NZPA