Wallabies prop Scott Sio has re-signed with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies through to 2022.
The 27-year-old has committed to a new three-year deal to stay in Australia, in a big boon for both sides.
Sio has been among the first picked Wallabies over the last four years, since cementing himself as Australia's first-choice loosehead in 2015.
The Brumbies front rower has been in superb form this season, battling for a starting spot with James Slipper, and looks all but certain to go to a second World Cup in September.
Sio said he was fully invested in the journey the Brumbies, who gave him a 2012 Super Rugby debut, were on.
With a number of big names headed off-shore or still undecided on their future for 2020 and beyond, there is a sense of a changing era in Canberra and Sio said he wanted to be a part of that next step.
“I’m super excited to re-sign. I’ve obviously been at the club for a long time and I’ve seen a lot of what we’re trying to grow," he said.
"It’s really cool to be part of the youth’s next progression as well. I’ve seen that (Brumbies centres) Noah Lolesio and Len Ikitau have re-signed too so it’s great to be part of their journey as well.
“It’s a special town. I’ve spent eight years of my life in Canberra and you get pretty close with the fans, and I really appreciate that so I’m looking forward to a couple more years."
Before looking to next year, though, Sio said his focus for 2019 was simple.
“Winning the World Cup with the Wallabies is the goal this year so we need to recognise the steps to get there. We just had a camp in Brisbane and it was great to get the vibe and what we want to do moving forward," he said.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he felt Sio had more to show in his rugby career.
“I’m really pleased for Scott and for Australian Rugby that he’s committed long term. He’s already given so much to each of the teams he plays in but he’s still got plenty left to give.
“One thing that stands out with Scott is his commitment to the cause. He’s always committed to being a better person, a better player and contributing to a better team.”
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar also welcomed Sio's extension.
"He's been here a long time now, Scotty, 2012 was his first season and he's developed into a world-class loosehead prop," McKellar said.
"He's performing well currently and it's great to have him locked in for the next few years.
"He's a powerful bloke with the football, which is something that's really understated and he's starting to understand how damaging he can be in attack and defence and obviously his scrum and maul work has always been quality."
McKellar said Sio had reacted outstandingly to the news of Slipper joining the Brumbies program from the Reds in the off-season, with the challenge helping raise the standard of his game.
"I think his attitude's been exceptional," McKellar said.
"The first time I spoke to him about the possibility of Slips coming here, he said: 'whatever's best for the team, whatever's best for the club', he understood the benefits for him and Slips with managing their load and minutes and he's really developed into a good leader, Scotty.
"So I'm really pleased with his attitude because it'd be really easy for someone to go the other way and not be happy about it. But he's really bought into it.
"They're good mates and understand each other's role well and one starts the game and one finishes it."
And McKellar believes both should be heading to the World Cup.
"I'd be taking Sio and Slipper when they're playing well - and they're both doing that.
"They're both in a good head space, both in good condition, there's plenty of experience there.
"I've never been to a World Cup but I'd imagine the benefit it to have really good experience, especially around set piece because it's a big part of the game."
Sio joins Brumbies front row mate Allan Alaalatoa (2023) and rising fullback Tom Banks (2022) in inking a long-term deal to stay in Australia, along with Wallabies captain Michael Hooper (2023).
The Wallabies kick off their 2019 season on July 20 against the Springboks in Johannesburg.
PLAYER MOVEMENTS
What are some of Australia's capped Wallabies doing after the 2019 World Cup?
While this is no exhaustive list, take a look at where some of Australia's biggest Super Rugby names are looking for 2020 and beyond.
Leaving
Waratahs
Curtis Rona - London Irish
Nick Phipps - London Irish
Sekope Kepu - London Irish
Reds
Scott Higginbotham - Bordeaux
Sefa Naivalu - Stade Francais
Brumbies
Rory Arnold - Toulouse
Sam Carter - Ulster
Rebels
Adam Coleman - London Irish
STAYING
Waratahs
Michael Hooper - 2023
Jack Dempsey - 2020
Tom Robertson - 2020
Reds
Taniela Tupou - 2020
Izack Rodda - 2020
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - 2020
Brumbies
Allan Alaalatoa - 2023
Tom Banks - 2022
Scott Sio - 2022
Joe Powell - 2020
James Slipper - 2020
Rebels
Dane Haylett-Petty - 2021
Reece Hodge - 2020
Jack Maddocks - 2020
Jermaine Ainsley - 2020
Luke Jones - 2020
UNCONFIRMED
Waratahs
Bernard Foley
Karmichael Hunt
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Kurtley Beale
Reds
Samu Kerevi
Brumbies
David Pocock
Tevita Kuridrani
Christian Lealiifano
Henry Speight
Rebels
Will Genia
Marika Koroibete
Quade Cooper
