Brumbies sign Tongan international

NEWS: The Brumbies have signed Tongan international prop Feao Fotuaika for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The 31-year-old Fotuaika joins the Brumbies following a two-and-a-half-year stint in the French Top 14 in Lyon, where he made 28 appearances.

Capped by Tonga six times, Fotuaika has significant Super Rugby Pacific experience, having played for the Queensland Reds for four seasons before heading to France.

The new Brumbies signing is exciting to get going with the club and is looking forward to the challenge in Australia’s capital.

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

Born in Gisborne on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the 31-year-old moved across the Tasman Sea at the age of 14 and went on to represent Australia at schoolboy level.

The Tongan international played for both Brisbane City and Queensland Country in the National Rugby Championship, before signing for the Reds in 2019, making his debut in their season opener against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Fotuaika made 31 appearances for the Reds, scoring two tries, ahead of his move to France. His brother, Moeaki, plays prop for the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL and has represented Queensland in State of Origin nine times, while receiving five caps for Tonga.

Fotuaika’s arrival follows the departure of Sefo Kautei to the Highlanders. He bolsters an already experienced collection of props at the club, which includes Allan Alaalatoa, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Rhys Van Nek, Harry Vella and Tevita Alatini.

And Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham is delighted to add another high-quality front-row asset to his squad.

“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’ first fixture in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition is in Suva, Fiji on Saturday, February 15 against Fijian Drua before returning home to the Canberra Stadium against Western Force on Saturday, February 22.