Clermont release Wallaby Folau Fainga’a just weeks into Top 14 season

ASM Clermont Auvergne have confirmed that Australia hooker Folau Fainga’a will leave the club after their upcoming Top 14 clash with Montpellier.

The 38-cap Wallaby has been released from his contract at the request of Rugby Australia in order to rejoin the Waratahs ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be staged in Australia.

Fainga’a, who signed a one-year extension with an optional extra season last term, asked to leave early to maximise his chances of being part of the next World Cup cycle.

Clermont boss Christophe Urios said he was informed of the plan in August, with confirmation only arriving late last week.

“We cannot oppose Folau’s desire to play in a World Cup in his own country and keep him against his will,” Urios said in a statement released by the club. “I need to have all the players in my team 100 per cent involved in the project.

“We understand his decision and acknowledge it; it is something unique in the life of a sportsman and we wish him success. Now, the management of our season is our priority and the club is working on a replacement solution that will lead to the arrival of a new hooker as soon as Folau leaves.”

Clermont added that a replacement signing will be confirmed following the international break.

“The Waratahs is somewhere I started my professional rugby journey in the under-20s and to be coming back to work under Dan and play with some guys I know really well is something I’m massively looking forward to,” Fainga’a said.

“To be closer to family is something I’m grateful for as well after being away from them for nearly 10 years now.

“I feel I have plenty to offer on and off the field and am looking forward to working hard and giving myself every opportunity to make a positive impact on Australian rugby.”

Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar said: “We (at the Brumbies) recruited Folau from Sydney Uni in 2017 and saw a dynamic hooker with strong set piece.

“Back then we thought he was a player with the potential to grow and develop into a very good hooker and he has done that.”