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Brumbies land services of Tongan international prop

Feao Fotuaika of Tonga. Photo by Karl Bridgeman - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

The Brumbies have found a veteran powerhouse to bolster their front-row stocks in the form of Tongan international prop Feao Fotuaika.

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The 31-year-old has landed in Canberra following two and a half years and 28 games with Lyon in the Top 14. The six-time ‘Ikale Tahi prop has previously run out for the Reds.

Fotuaika shared his thoughts on coming back into Super Rugby Pacific.

“I wanted to challenge myself at one of the most successful and respected rugby clubs not just in Australia, but also in World Rugby,” he said.

“Having the chance to be a part of a club with such a strong culture and history was inspiring. I can’t wait to get started.”

The Kiwi-born talent has 31 Super Rugby games to his name with Queensland while his brother has also donned Queensland colours, albeit in rugby league where he’s been selected for nine State of Origin appearances, also donning Tonga colours five times.

The departure of Sefo Kautei paved the way for Fotuaika’s signing, and he’ll join a steady crop of talent in Allan Alaalatoa, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Rhys Van Nek, Harry Vella and Tevita Alatini.

Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham was excited to bring another experienced head into the team environment.

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“Feao is a fantastic addition to our side. He is an excellent tighthead scrummager and a dynamic ball carrier. Alongside being a dominant tackler with great ball handling skills.

“He brings huge experience from playing Super Rugby Pacific across various seasons and spending significant time in French rugby.”

The Brumbies open their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign against The Fijian Drua away in Suva on February 15 before their home opener against the Western Force on the 22nd.

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Tom 2 hours ago
How the England firm of 'Smith & Smith' toppled France

France played badly, England were much improved. If we can back it up then I'll get excited... But as you say France "should" have won. Although England were the better side in the second half and it's been a long time since England's second half performance was better than the opposition.


There were a few performances to make me optimistic:


Tom Curry - looks back to his best, between him and Underhill we have two exceptional flankers


Ben Earl - also looks to be getting back into some form, carried well


Tom Willis - gave more balance to the back row, finally we've found a proper test level number 8


Ollie Chessum - always been a skilled backrower and great lineout option but he looked much more physical and got really stuck in


Fin Smith - first half display was a struggle due to lack of experience as Borthwick has given him no opportunities, but he was so composed in the second half and made so many good calls with a balanced range of kicking passing and taking it to the line.


Henry Slade - he's struggled in a team playing a reductive gameplan but demonstrated that he's a classy operator in a team prepared to move the ball


All in all I really hope England gain some confidence and back themselves in the next match with ball in hand. I'm so sick of seeing the sort of wasteful grubber kicks that Lawrence put in which England have used far too much and with a total combined net meterage gain in the last few years of minus 1 million meters.

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LONG READ How the England firm of 'Smith & Smith' toppled France How the England firm of 'Smith & Smith' toppled France
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