Sailosi Tagicakibau is one of the most destructive wingers currently playing in the Aviva Premiership and has left many an opposing defender in his wake since joining London Irish. His blistering pace and unstoppable power has enabled him to score 44 tries in just 115 appearances for the Exiles; a figure which would surely be much greater had it not been for injuries in recent seasons.

Tagicakibau was introduced to rugby by his father who encouraged him to take up the game at his local club in Auckland at the age of five. It was when he went to Wesley College, the city's famous rugby school attended by Jonah Lomu and Exiles teammate Seilala Mapusua, that his talent began to blossom.

The Samoan started out as a back row player until his tremendous pace and skill was spotted and he made the switch to the wing. After College he joined the Taranaki club and came under the guidance of the great All Black, Kieran Crowley. He appeared in every National Provincial Cup match during his first season, scoring six tries and was subsequently invited to join the Waikato Chiefs for whom he played in eight Super 12 games.

His efforts with Waikato brought him to the attention of the Samoan selectors and he was awarded his first cap against Namibia in a pre-Rugby World Cup tour of South Africa in 2003. He shot to prominence in the Northern Hemisphere after a terrific performance against England, characterised by two blistering runs, in the pool stage of the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia. He has 15 caps for Samoa and has also represented the Pacific Islands.

The 'Samoan flyer' , who joined London Irish in October 2005, has been awarded the London Irish Try of the Season award two years in a row and was also crowned Players' Player of the Season at the club's annual awards ceremony in May 2008.

Tagicakibau signed a contract extension last season which will see him remain with London Irish until the end of 2013/14 season.