Photo source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited
Duel rugby international Timana Tahu will make his combat sports debut in November after inking a two fight deal with Newcastle based hybrid fighting promotion Combat 8.
Tahu, who will debut on the promotions November 9 C8:04 show at Newcastle Panthers, will join the light heavyweight division, with his opponent for the event expected to be announced by Tuesday.
The 6 foot 1 inch 32 year-old will begin serious preparation for the bout once his commitments this season with the Newcastle Knights wrap up.
Having spent time training with good friend James Te Huna in the past, the 2005 Eels player of the year is no stranger to training Martial Arts. Tahu also spent a fortnight with former UFC light heavyweight champ “Rampage” Jackson back in 2011.
Tahu is still contracted to the Newcastle Nights until the end of the year, but has been given the all clear from Knights officials to pursue the new venture, and has not ruled out re-signing with the club next season.
Making his rugby league debut in 2009, Tahu has played State of Origin for New South Wales 11 times as well as 5 tests for Australia. He also represented Australia in rugby union on 4 occasions.
The below video is of a press conference held today with Tahu and Combat 8 promoter Nathan Swadling.
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