The Western Force has bolstered its front row stocks with the signing of established Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga’a on a one-year deal.
Fainga’a joins from the ACT Brumbies after 61 games and a 2020 Super Rugby AU title with the Canberra-based side.
With 25 Wallabies caps to his name, including two during the 2019 World Cup, Fainga’a has become the first-choice hooker for Australia since making his debut in 2018 against the All Blacks in Auckland.
Boasting an elite skill set and deep experience, the 27-year-old is a major coup for the Force.
Fainga’a, who is currently with the Wallabies squad ahead of the upcoming Test series against England, is delighted to be making the move to Western Australia.
“I’m super excited to re-sign with Australian Rugby and to join the Western Force from next year,” Fainga’a explained.
“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.”
General manager of rugby Matt Hodgson believes Fainga’a adds significant depth and class to the front row pack.
“Folau is a player who brings a wealth of experience at Super Rugby and Test level with the Wallabies,” Hodgson said.
“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.”
Folau Fainga’a Position: Hooker Height: 178cm Weight: 115kg Date of birth: 5/5/1995 Super Rugby Caps: 61 Super Rugby Debut: Brumbies vs Melbourne Rebels vs Brumbies, 9/3/2018, Super Rugby Round 4. Wallaby Caps: 25 Wallabies Debut: Australia vs New Zealand, 25/8/2018, The Rugby Championship Round 2.
