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Bedford Blues have signed Fred Tuilagi, nephew of England centre Manu, ahead of the new Championship season.

The 27-year-old back row, who is one of several family members to have played for Leicester Tigers, was last with French club AS Bedarrides.

He has also been part of the Samoa squad this year, although he has yet to make his international debut.

"There are a few factors why this is the perfect fit at this stage of my career. I’ve only ever heard good things about the club – got a lot of history and I want to put my mark on that," he

Tuilagi is the latest summer signing by Bedford, who finished fourth in the second tier of English rugby last season.

"We wanted to add a bit of firepower to the back row and Fred looks like he fits that bill in terms of that ball-carrying ability," said director of rugby Mike Rayer.

“He’s been out of the English scene for a few years but wants to establish himself back in the game and see how he can kick his career on."

Bedford have a home pre-season game against Blackheath on Friday before taking on Saracens and Northampton, Premiership champions for the past two seasons, on 6 and 13 September.

Their opening match of the new league season is at home to Caldy on 21 September.