NRL News: Saia Fainga’a swaps with Stephen Moore to return to the ACT Brumbies

ACT franchise announced on Monday that Queensland Reds’ hooker Saia Fainga’a just signed a one-year deal to return to the Brumbies to replace Stephen Moore, who had previously decided to return to the Reds.

With the decision of Moore to return to his former club, Brumbies coach and Fainga’a’s former teammate back in 2006 and 2007, Stephen Larkham feels that this created a gap in his squad that needs to be filled. The Star reports that Larkham found Saia’s talent to be the perfect match.

“His aggression, low tackles and fervor at the breakdown will definitely be of great benefit to us next season,” Larham said in a report by The Roar. He further recalled the past Saia in whom he recognized a world-class talent and continued on to admire his consistent intensity and passion in rugby.

Twenty-nine-year-old Fainga’a previously made 27 appearances for the Brumbies before moving to the Reds to make eight appearances and help them to their victory in the 2011 Super Rugby. He has also won 36 caps for Australia since his Wallabies debut in 2010. According to the Courier Mail, he is a born and raised Queanbeyan and successful student of the Brumbies Academy. He is currently being prevented from playing following the foot injury from last week’s game and the subsequent surgery.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Reds but equally am looking forward to returning to where it all began for me a decade ago,” Fainga’a said. Rugby reports that though his focus remains on the current season and recovering from his injury, he expressed that his joy that his next year is all sorted out.

"My focus right now is this season however I'm very glad to have my future sorted for next year.”

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