New Faces for the Brumbies
Here are the new signings for the Brumbies that we may see this year:
Profiles from www.brumbies.com.au
Anthony Faingaa
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/45977
A powerful centre with great potential, Anthony Faingaa graduates from his rookie status to a full contract in 2007. A regular for the Brumby Runners during 2006, Faingaa’s year was highlighted with his drop goal to secure the Australian Under 19s World Championship win (17-13) over New Zealand in Dubai. His performance during that campaign earned him a nomination, along with the Waratahs’ Josh Holmes and New Zealand’s Victor Vito, as the International Rugby Board’s Under 19 Player of the Year. After going on to represent the Australian Under 21’s in France, the 19-year-old ended his year on a disappointing low when he sustained a lisfranc fracture in his left foot while representing Queanbeyan in a local club rugby match. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season. A strong runner and punishing defender, Faingaa will look to further his claim for his Super 14 debut in 2007.
Born in Queanbeyan, Faingaa and twin brother Saia have played in virtually every side together since they began their football careers with local league side, the Queanbeyan Kangaroos, at the age of five. Faingaa attended St Edmund’s College where he represented at school’s first XV aged 15 and, in the same year, was inducted into the CA Brumbies Academy. Faingaa has been another success story of the CA Brumbies’ development program, also representing the Brumby Runners and earning a rookie contract before signing a two-year full-time contract for 2007 and 2008.
Faingaa spends most of his time away from football with his brothers, and enjoys waterskiing and watching movies. He has undertaken an Advanced Diploma in Property Valuation.
Saia Faingaa
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/45976
2006 was a year of highs for hooker Saia Faingaa. After joining the CA Brumbies’ senior squad on a Rookie contract, Faingaa’s Super 14 debut was fast-tracked following injuries to Jeremy Paul and David Palavi. The 19-year-old was rushed into the CA Brumbies’ squad in Cape Town where he won his first Super 14 cap in the CA Brumbies’ 15-all draw against the Stormers. After recording four Super 14 caps off the bench for the CA Brumbies, Faingaa then captained the Australian Under 19s to a 17-13 world championship win over New Zealand in Dubai. The aggressive hooker, who has been signed to a full contract for 2007, was outstanding off the bench for the CA Brumbies during the Australian Provincial Championship and has shown that he will again be in contention for the CA Brumbies match-day 22 in 2007.
Another in a line of Queanbeyan products, Faingaa attended St Edmund’s College and joins Matt Giteau and Matt Henjak amongst the school’s alumni who have gone on to represent the CA Brumbies. Faingaa, a member of the CA Brumbies Academy since he was 15, represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2003 and 2004. One in a family of talented footballers, Faingaa joins twin brother Anthony in the CA Brumbies’ squad for 2007, with younger brother Colby a member of the CA Brumbies Academy.
Faingaa enjoys spending time away from football with his brothers and family. Saia and Anthony Faingaa are cousins to former CA Brumbies’ ‘super-sub’ Ipolito Fenukitau.
Stephen Hoiles
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/50329
Stephen Hoiles is an outstanding talent and a prized addition to the CA Brumbies for the next two seasons. The former NSW Waratah offers versatility across all three back row positions and is an established lineout option. Hoiles, who played every match for the Waratahs in 2006, fitted into the CA Brumbies lineup during the Australian Provincial Championship and played a starring role. Overlooked for the 2006 domestic Test series, the 25-year-old completed an outstanding club rugby season with Randwick, culminating in a grand final appearance against Sydney University. Hoiles forced his way back into the Wallaby 22 after helping lead the CA Brumbies to the one-off APC title in September.
Born in Sydney, Hoiles began his rugby career as a six-year-old with the Coogee Juniors. After attending Waverley College, Hoiles rose through the ranks at Randwick before breaking into the Waratahs squad. Signed initially on a training contract during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Hoiles had graduated to a full contract by the beginning of the 2004. He played four matches in his first season before winning a premiership with Randwick and claiming a spot on the Wallaby Spring Tour of Europe. His impressive performance against the French Barbarians elevated him into the Wallabies 22-man squad where he made his debut Test appearances against Scotland and England. A knee injury sustained while training with the Wallabies in Coffs Harbour, robbed him of an opportunity to further his international career in 2005 after representing the Waratahs in all but one Super 12 match.
Hoiles is a keen surfer and fanatical Wests Tigers supporter whose childhood hero was Tigers legend Wayne Pearce.
Julian Huxley
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/50323
Julian Huxley, the prodigal son of Brumbies Rugby, returns to the nation’s capital after four seasons with the Queensland Reds. Huxley, a flyhalf, who can also cover fullback and centre, completed his best season of professional football with the Reds in 2006 before carrying his outstanding form across for the CA Brumbies in the Australian Provincial Championship. Blessed with an astute kicking game and radar goalkicking boot, the 27-year-old playmaker featured in six Super 14 matches for the Reds last season after collecting the coveted Pilecki Medal in hid first season in Queensland in 2003, presented to the Players Player of the Year. With previous representative honours including competing for the Australia A and the Australian Sevens sides, Huxley capped off 2006 with the vice captaincy of the Prime Minister’s XV side that defeated Japan, 61-19.
Born in Sydney, Huxley followed the same route as CA Brumbies captain Stirling Mortlock, playing his junior rugby with Lindfield and attending the Kings School. In 1998 Huxley moved to Canberra to study Commercial Law at the Australian National University and played with the Canberra Kookaburras and the Brumby Runners under coach Laurie Fisher. ‘Hux’ joined the CA Brumbies on a full contract in 2002, kicking six penalty goals in their 25-18 loss to the Highlanders on debut. After moving to the Reds in 2003, Huxley missed the 2004 season with a broken jaw and knee injury. Playing across a number of positions during his time with the Reds, he is expected to figure heavily with the CA Brumbies in 2007.
Huxley, a keen golfer with a handicap of six, also enjoys playing his guitar along to Jack Johnson and Ben Harper. He is also studying a Bachelor of Business (Property) through the University of Western Sydney.
Salesi Ma’afu
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/50587
Entering his second season of professional rugby, Salesi Ma’afu has risen through the CA Brumbies’ front row ranks and will be pressing to make his Super 14 debut in 2007. The specialist loosehead prop has added three kilograms to his 2006 playing weight and has improved his physical fitness in preparation for 2007. Several quality performances for the CA Brumby Runners during the season and the CA Brumbies in the Australian Provincial Championship will stand Ma’afu in good stead as he looks to join a CA Brumbies’ front row that features Test props Guy Shepherdson and Nic Henderson. A hardworking player, Ma’afuhas the size, strength and skills to make a name for himself in the international game.
Born in Sydney, Ma’afu played rugby league for Five Dock in the Balmain district before switching to rugby as an eleven-year-old. He has progressed through the junior ranks for the West Harbour Pirates, playing the last five seasons in the Tooheys New Cup first grade competition. Ma’afu represented NSW Under 19’s in 2001 and 2002 and was a member of the NSW Academy during 2004 and 2005. Ma’afu, who played for the NSW ‘A’ team against the Brumby Runners in 2005, represented the Australian Barbarians before joining the CA Brumbies prior to the 2006 season.
Ma’afu spends most of his time away from football with his family. He also enjoys listening to music, including reggae band UB40.
Peter Playford
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/50322
Peter Playford joins the CA Brumbies from New Zealand provincial rugby debutantes, the Tasman Makos. The fleet-footed winger has a prolific try-scoring history, leading the touchdowns for the Makos last season – scoring six tries in eight matches – in a side that also featured All Black Rico Gear and English Sevens star Ben Gollings. Playford registered four tries in the Makos pre-season match against Canada and a further four in Tasman’s 56-16 win over Northland in Week 9 of the competition proper. The 26-year-old winger, who can also play fullback and outside centre, set a Sydney club rugby record when he crossed for 29 tries during the 2005 Tooheys New Cup – eclipsing the previous record of 27 tries scored by Randwick’s Terry Ryan in 1971. Having previously represented the Waratahs and the NRL’s Sydney Roosters in their respective lower grades, Playford joins the CA Brumbies with a view to developing to Super 14 debut in 2007.
Born in Sydney, Playford played junior soccer for the Cromer Kingfishers before attending St Joseph’s College, Hunter’s Hill where he represented the Australian Schoolboys in 1998. After having a year’s hiatus from rugby he was selected for the Australian Under 21s in 2001 before switching to rugby league in 2002. His boom 2005 season was rewarded with selection for the Waratahs tour of Eastern Europe before linking with the Makos in their debut season.
Playford is part of a New Zealand horse racing syndicate called “Get Lucky” that owns four horses. He has also completed economics degree at Sydney University.
Richard Stanford
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/50326
Tall and strong, Richard Stanford enters his second season with the CA Brumbies. The lofty 20-year-old lock graduates from a rookie contract for the 2007 season and has been earmarked for a permanent move to blindside flanker. At 195cm, Stanford was a valuable lineout option for Eastern Suburbs and the Brumby Runners last season. A strong domestic season earned Stanford his second year with the Australian Under 21’s before shoulder nerve damage prematurely ended his season. Stanford, who is yet to make his Super 14 debut, edged closer to his first provincial cap when he was named as a travelling reserve for the CA Brumbies’ final match of 2006 against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Born and raised in the NSW Central West town of Wellington, Stanford attended Scots College in Bathurst, where he represented Australian Schools in both 2003 and 2004. The former AIS scholarship holder, originally a member of the Waratahs Academy, has represented the Australian Under 19 and Under 21 sides and joined the CA Brumbies on a rookie contract last season.
Stanford was an all-round athlete growing up, representing his school at high jump and in the 1st VIII rowing crew. He is currently studying a business degree through Monash University.
Matt Carraro
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/50324
Matt Carraro was the final signing for the CA Brumbies’ 31-man squad for 2007. The 22-year-old originally joined the CA Brumbies as part of the Australian Provincial Championship before securing a permanent contract with the two-time Super 12 champions. The one-year rookie contract capped an excellent season for Carraro that included helping Randwick to a grand final appearance against Sydney University in the Tooheys New Cup and several impressive performances for the CA Brumbies during their successful APC campaign. However, he was ruled out of the APC final after incurring a stress reaction in his right foot in the lead-up to the CA Brumbies clash against the Queensland Reds at Ballymore. Carraro, a powerful centre/wing, will benefit from his first year in a professional program.
Born in Gosford, Carraro played his junior rugby at Ourimbah alongside CA Brumbies team mate Adam Ashely-Cooper. Having represented the NSW Under 17’s, Carraro completed his schooling at St Joseph’s College where he earned himself a place in the 2002 Australian Schoolboys side. The following year he represented the NSW Under 19’s before studying at Sydney University. A naturally fit and strong competitor, the hard-running, hard-hitting centre/wing will benefit from his first season in a professional program.
Carraro, a keen surfer, also enjoys playing the guitar. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Education (Human Movement & Health Education) degree at Sydney University.
Francis Fainifo
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/50325
An exciting prospect for CA Brumbies, the past year has produced a meteoric rise for Francis Fainifo. The fleet-footed, hot-stepping winger was plucked from Robb College in Armidale’s club rugby competition after being spotted for NSW Country Cockatoos in the Australian Rugby Shield. ‘Franky’ joined the CA Brumbies Academy midway through the 2005 season where he quickly earned himself a reputation as one of the most damaging broken field runners in the ACT club rugby competition. The esteem for which the 24-year-old is regarded was reflected when he was called up to the bench for the CA Brumbies’ final Super 14 match of the season against the Crusaders. Fainifo’s stocks rose dramatically after playing a leading role for the Tuggeranong Vikings in their 2006 premiership season and finishing the Australian Provincial Championship as the highest tryscorer for the CA Brumbies. His blossoming future was confirmed when he was selected for the Prime Minister’s XV squad to play Japan despite not having played a single Super 14 match.
Born in Auckland, Fainifo grew up playing rugby league for the Campbelltown City Kangaroos. He was contracted to the NRL’s Western Suburbs’ (now Wests Tigers) Jersey Flegg side in 2001 before beginning his rugby career the following year when he moved to Armidale to study a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of New England (UNE).
Fainifo spends time away from football window shopping and listening to Jack Johnson, John Mayer and R&B music. He has completed his Commerce degree and has begun a Diploma of Education through UNE.
Christian Lealiifano
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/50328
An exciting prospect for Australian rugby, Christian Lealiifano joins the CA Brumbies on a Rookie contract for 2007. After spending two years in the Australian Schoolboys, Lealiifano continued on the representative trail in 2006 representing both the Australian Under 21’s and Under 19’s during their World Championship win in Dubai. The 19-year-old returned to guide Tuggeranong to a premiership in the ACT club rugby competition alongside CA Brumbies’ team mates Julian Salvi, Francis Fainifo and John Ulugia.
Born in Auckland, Lealiifano attended Melbourne’s Peter Lalor Secondary College where he represented the Australian Schools in 2004 and 2005. On leaving school he played senior rugby for Melbourne’s Northcote club and went on to win selection in the 2005/06 Australian Sevens squad. Lealiifano, who possesses a balanced running style and strong passing and kicking game, joined the CA Brumbies Academy in 2006.
Lealiifano is a religious player who enjoys going to church, spending time with his family and playing volleyball. His younger brother, Eniliko, was a member of the last season’s premiership-winning Tuggeranong Vikings Colts team and is a member of the Brumbies Academy Development squad.
John Ulugia
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/50327
Prop John Ulugia had a remarkable year during his first season in the CA Brumbies’ program. The 20-year-old, who had previously represented the Australian Schools and Australian Under 19’s, shifted to hooker to make his Super 14 debut off the bench against the Cheetahs during the CA Brumbies 53-20 win at Canberra Stadium. Following his first provincial start, Ulugia represented the Australian Under 21’s during their World Championship in France before returning to help Tuggeranong to a first grade premiership in the ACT local rugby competition. Ulugia, who re-signed with the CA Brumbies for a repeat season on a rookie contract, capped off his outstanding season with selection in the Prime Minister’s XV squad to play Japan.
Born in Auckland, Ulugia grew up in Melbourne, attending Noble Park College where he won selection in the Victorian state side for the 2004 national schoolboys championships. It was during this tournament that the bullocking front rower was spotted and recruited for to join the CA Brumbies Academy in 2005. He represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2004 before going on to play with the Canberra Vikings the following year.
Away from football, Ulugia enjoys spending time with friends, eating out and playing park cricket.
