Autagavaia has amassed eight caps for Samoa over the past 18 months, including the recent Autumn Internationals against Ireland and Georgia. But the 25-year-old is probably best known for his first-minute try against Wales in November 2012 that set Samoa on the way to a stunning win at the Millennium Stadium.
Autagavaia, who played for Northland in the 2013 ITM Cup, joins the Saints under the injury dispensation rule to help cover Ben Foden’s absence from the team.
“Fa'atoina has shown over the past 18 months that he has the ability to succeed at international level,” said director of rugby Jim Mallinder, “so we are confident that he’ll be able to fit in at Franklin’s Gardens, especially alongside the Pisi brothers and Kahn Fotuali’i.
“With Ben Foden and James Wilson both out of action we’re a bit light at full back, so Fa’atoina will add to our strength in depth in what is a crucial position.”
