It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to a real champion this week, Tau Koloamatangi. On and off the pitch, Tau is a massive personality that will be sorely missed.

Tau - former New Zealand U20 World Cup Winner - joined Valley after his mentor Deano Herewini suggested that incumbent Grant Kemp was over the hill. Weighing in at between 116KG and 145KG - depending on the month - and reaching a staggering height of 5'4FT, Koloamatangi shows no mercy on the field of play. Known for locking down the tighthead side, his incredible speed off the mark, big dackles and silky skills and ball-handling, Tau will leave a gaping hole in the Valley and Hong Kong squads. He'll also be missed at the Happy Valley Bar and Grill, where his daily pilgrimage with Ben Higgins for a Chicken Bap has helped keep the restaurant afloat during Covid.

Tau won 2 Championships with Valley and debuted for Hong Kong against Belgium in November 2019. Sometimes known as “Cannon Ball”, he scored five tries in one season, usually from about 3 meters out from the try line.

Tau is of the highest pedigree as a player, as a human, as a mate. We feel lucky and honoured to have been "home" for him for the past five years - Tau is Valley Family for Life.

We wish Tau the very best of luck and good times with the Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield in Sydney but hope that this is not goodbye but "bon voyage" (safe travels) and "auf wiedersehen" (until we meet again) and, as we say in Hong Kong, "thankyoubyebyecomeagain'. We will keep the 3XL #3 shirt warm for you!