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.
“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.”
CUW
Guest
since there has been news that Leroy Houston and Scott Higginbotham are interested in coming back , brumbies shud look at getting one of them (both have said they want to join reds or the media speculate they will go to reds). with pocock on holiday next season , and no proper 8 since retirement of Vaea , brumbies will lack 3rd row skills next season unless they get an experienced head. even Mowen is unsettled at Montpelier , but he is a 6 masquerading as an 8 :)
Akari
Roar Rookie
Welcome Home Saia. And on the way back, put Ant in the back seat and then do a diversion to Melbourne to pick up Colby and then head home, ok?
Dave_S
Guest
3 Fingers would be a nice set. Colby would be a good buy, not sure Ant has been convincing enough as a 12, but it's not like the Brums play expansively in the backs and maybe he would suit as a short-term cover.
Paul
Guest
Brothers unting? Toomua leaving also opens up a No.12 spot for Anthony, and Pocock taking leave opens up for Colby. 3 fingers in one pie? ;)
Dave_S
Guest
Yep, I don't know what he's on but I suspect not top tier money, which means he's squarely in the 'value for money' class. Every team wants a Saia F in the squad. If I was spending limited recruitment money, it wouldn't be on a starring #2, it would be on a dependable Saia F type.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He proved to be a good replacement for him for the Reds though.
peter hughes
Guest
Saia is a good buy but no replacement for Moore imo. Brumbies need a better hooker than Saia so I'm hoping they'll sign someone else too
Bakkies
Guest
Should look at getting Anthony Hegarty back from Grenoble
Boz the Younger
Guest
A year long contract, long enough for David Pocock to quietly learn to hook in English club rugby. Coincidence?
Comrade Bear
Roar Rookie
As long as Andrew Ready is happy - so am I. Shame to see SF go. I wish him well.
Adsa
Guest
Thanks Saia, a great effort for 98 games, a shame you could not crack the ton.
RubberLegs
Guest
Larkham has provided an accurate assessment of Saia' rugby abilities. He may be subjected to less criticism when he is no longer a Red.
Dave_S
Guest
Good result for everyone - Saia, Brumbies and Aust rugby generally. Farewell, all the best and many thanks, Saia. A mighty contribution to Reds rugby.
CUW
Guest
nah , in asia we have a saying - exchanging ginger for chili :P
Danger Mouse
Guest
musical chairs