Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga'a has signed with the Western Force and Rugby Australia until the end of the 2024 season.
Fainga'a has been a mainstay of the national side since making his debut in 2018, playing 25 games for his country, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
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The 27-year-old has been a key part of the Brumbies' success, including the 2020 Super Rugby AU title, looking to replicate that with the Force.
“I’m super excited to re-sign with Australian Rugby and to join the Western Force from next year," he said in a statement.
“They’re a team that from the outside, looks to be heading in a really positive direction and I’m looking forward to working with the coaching staff over there in 2023.
“Right now though my focus is here with the Wallabies and preparing for what’s going to be a really tough series against England which kicks off this weekend.”
“Folau’s re-commitment to Australian Rugby is a positive one," Wallabies coach Dave Rennie asserts.
“A strong scrummager and excellent thrower, Folau’s been a consistent feature of our team over the last two seasons.
“He’s a popular member of the squad and the most experienced rake in the country which makes him an important part of our group moving forward.”
This comes just 24 hours after fellow Wallaby Feleti Kaitu'u and Jack Winchester re-signed with the WA club.
GM of Rugby Matt Hodgson believes his experience will be vital for the young squad and showcases their ambition to be one of the premier sides in Super Rugby Pacific.
“Folau is a player who brings a wealth of experience at Super Rugby and Test level with the Wallabies," Hodgson added.
“To have secured two Wallabies hookers in our squad is a sign of great progress for the club and signals our ambition for the years to come.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing Folau working alongside Feleti (Kaitu’u) and Jack (Winchester) over the next two seasons.”
