Monday 7 July 2014 08:08, UK
Popular forward Fotu Auelua has signed a new deal with the Brumbies which ties him to the club until the end of 2015.
Auelua, 30, has developed into a favourite among Brumbies fans in his 30 games for the team since arriving from Japan in 2012.
He had been linked with a move to Super Rugby rivals Queensland Reds, but Auelua now joins Matt Toomua, Jesse Mogg, Christian Lealiifano, Scott Fardy and Nic White in committing his future to the Brumbies.
Auelua suffered a knee injury in the opening weekend clash with the Reds and missed 13 weeks, an injury that also stifled his hopes of a belated call into the Australia squad.
But he is back to full fitness now and should be involved in the Brumbies squad for their vital clash with the Western Force which they need to win to have a chance of progressing to the qualifying finals.
“It’s been a longer process than usual getting my contract sorted but now that it’s done I’m feeling really positive about the next 12 months with the Brumbies,” said Auelua, who spent the early part of his professional career in France with Dax and Toulon.
“Since I arrived here we’ve been able to achieve plenty of success. I think most of the boys here would rate the Final last year as a career highlight. Unfortunately I was injured for the Lions series but it was incredible to be part of the squad which knocked them over.
“I’ve stayed because I feel this group can achieve more of those big moments in the next 12 months. We know each other a bit better and that experience is really starting to show.
“While this is exciting news for me personally, my focus this week is on the Force and ensuring we are at our best to have a crack at a home final the following weekend."
