The ACT Brumbies have announced the signing of former Australian international Anthony Fainga’a in a deal that will see the hard-hitting centre link up with his twin Saia in the nation’s capital.
29-year-old Anthony is currently playing for the Kintetsu Liners in Japan, but has signed a one-year deal which will tie him to the Brumbies for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham, who will leave the franchise at the end of the 2017 season to take a full-time role in Michael Cheika’s Wallabies staff, was pleased to announce the signing of the experienced centre.
“Having the twins returning will bolster our depth in key positions,” Larkham said.
“Anthony has long been one of the best defensive centres in Super Rugby, which will be a huge boost for our backline.
“He has the ability to kick goals and play in either centre position.
“Alongside Saia, the twins bring a formidable amount of experience to next year’s squad.
“They have great connections with the Queanbeyan and Canberra communities and I think fans will be happy to see them back in Brumbies colours next season.”
Anthony Fainga’a has a wealth of experience playing at the highest level. He was a member of the Wallabies’ 2011 World Cup squad and was a key cog in the Queensland Reds side which won the Super Rugby title in 2011.
Originally from Queanbeyan, Fainga’a has played a total of 93 Super Rugby games since making his debut for the Brumbies in 2007. 90 of those came for the Reds, who he moved to in 2009.
A Wallabies debut followed in 2010, and Fainga’a went on to earn 23 caps for Australia in the following two years.
Anthony’s brother Saia was announced as a Brumbies recruit earlier this year, the experienced hooker brought into the side to replace departing skipper Stephen Moore, who signed a deal to play with the Reds.
Like Anthony, Saia’s contract with the Brumbies is a one-year deal just for the 2017 season.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I heard Lealiifano was looking at taking the entire season off and returning in 2018?
Boz the Younger
Guest
Looks to me like A. Fainga is being bought as an extra 12, in case Leiliifano isn't well enough to play by next season. That would allow Godwin or one of the young fellas, Jackson-Hope or Joost, to cover 10.
Markus
Guest
Dowsett was released, and I believe was in NZ playing in the NPC prior to this signing. Brumbies have opted to stick with Powell over Dowsett, as well as sign teenager Ryan Lonergan.
CUW
Guest
they have lost a scrum half tho http://www.planetrugby.com/news/warriors-sign-dowsett/
Markus
Guest
Hoping he stays injury free. Personally I would have preferred they lure Colby back to Canberra or sign someone like Rowan Perry from the NRC.
Markus
Guest
Is Anthony's signing an indication that Godwin may end up starting at 10 next year? With Robbie Coleman off to the Force there really aren't a lot of options left. I agree with Selector, Jooste is not ready to start in Super Rugby.
Selector
Guest
Bernie.... We need an established 10 asap! Otherwise you are going to have to get mummified up again and get back out there. Whilst I am excited about the prospect of Joost. He is not ready
Selector
Guest
I am predicting big things from Alcock next year.
Paul
Guest
They just need Colby to complete the picture, and the Brumbies could use him next year too!