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Saia Fainga'a to return to Brumbies

Roar Guru
16th May, 2016
15

Queensland Reds reserve hooker Saia Fainga’a will return to the Brumbies next Super Rugby season to fill the void left by departing Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore.

The ACT franchise on Monday confirmed Fainga’a had signed a one-year deal, effectively a straight swap for Moore who is heading back to the Reds in 2017.

Fainga’a made his Super Rugby debut with the Brumbies in 2006, playing 27 games before heading to the Sunshine State with his twin brother and centre Anthony in 2009.

He has made 98 appearances for the Reds and won 36 Test caps for Australia since his Wallabies debut in 2010.

Coach Stephen Larkham, a teammate of Fainga’a’s for two years, said the 29-year-old was still playing with the same level of intensity he had as a teenager after more than 120 Super Rugby games.

“With Stephen Moore returning to the Reds next year there was obviously a gap we needed to fill in our squad and I think Saia is a perfect fit,” Larkham said.

“His aggression, low tackles and fervor at the breakdown will definitely be of great benefit to us next season.”

Fainga’a has played eight games for the Reds this season and likely his last, having last week been ruled out for two months following foot surgery.

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“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Reds but equally am looking forward to returning to where it all began for me over a decade ago,” Fainga’a said.

“My focus right now is this season however I’m very glad to have my future sorted for next year.”

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