Lealiifano, To'omua sign on for two more years
CA Brumbies playmakers Christian Lealiifano and Matt To'omua have re-signed with the ACT province until 2012.
Lealiifano joined the CA Brumbies in 2007 before making his Investec Bank Super 14 debut the following year against the Crusaders in Christchurch. The Auckland-born, Melbourne-raised pivot wore the ‘10’ jersey through 2008 and 2009, before starring for the CA Brumbies at inside centre through the first six rounds of this season.
The 22-year-old, who has represented Australia at Schools, Under 19’s, Under 21’s and Sevens, has played 28 Investec Bank Super 14 matches for the CA Brumbies, crossing for seven tries in that time.
Lealiifano, who will sit out the remainder of the 2010 Investec Bank Super 14 with a knee injury, says he’s pleased that his future is with the CA Brumbies.
“The main thing for me was that I’m really happy here,” he said. “There’s a good group here at the moment to take the team forward. There’s a good mix of young guys and experienced guys, especially with players like Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper around me.
“I feel like my game’s come a long way since I’ve been here – there’s still room for a lot of improvement but playing with guys like Gits has really helped me.
“It’s been a good challenge moving to ‘12’, I was really enjoying it and thought I was playing quite well. It’s been great learning outside Gits and having the chance to keep playing with one of the world’s best helped make the decision for me.
“I think that staying here has given me every chance of eventually playing for the Wallabies. That was a big part of my decision to stay: this was where I thought I could develop my game best with a goal of one day being a Wallaby. It’s still a long-term goal for me and I’m just looking to keep developing my game. If I can play some quality footy with the Brumbies hopefully that will come.”
To'omua, who will start at flyhalf for the CA Brumbies against the Cheetahs tomorrow night, has played 17 matches for the ACT province since being contracted directly from Brisbane State High in 2007. The former Australian Schools and Under 20’s flyhalf made his Investec Bank Super 14 debut as an 18-year-old in 2008, and was selected for his first Wallaby Spring Tour last year.
To'omua, now 20, says he would love to further his Wallaby representation but his sole focus is finishing the season strongly for the CA Brumbies.
“I just love it down here,” he said. “My game’s developed a lot since I’ve been at the Brumbies and I’m confident this is the place to take my game even further in the next few years.
“I wouldn’t have signed if I wasn’t happy with the Brumbies or the direction we’re heading, and I’m very pleased that I’ll continue to be a part of that.
“Making the Wallabies squad was great last year but I can only worry about the Brumbies at the moment and hopefully [further Wallaby representation] will come a bit later. I’ve still only started a handful of games at provincial level so I’m not getting too far ahead of myself; I just want to focus on putting some good performances together this season.”
Head Coach Andy Friend says he’s pleased to re-sign two of his key performers through until 2012.
“It’s a great result to have two of the country’s leading young talent returning to the side for the next two years,” he said.
“There’s no question they’ve both benefited from playing and training alongside someone like Matt Giteau, and in time Christian and Matt will form a very dangerous 10/12 combination for the Brumbies.
“We were very disappointed to see Christian’s season end the way it did through injury. He was outstanding for the side through the first half of the season. He’s made a very successful transition to inside centre this year, he’s been a proven match-winner for the side in the past three seasons and has the perfect skill set to be a leading inside back in this competition.
“He’ll come back from this injury fitter and more determined next season and we’re very pleased that he’ll continue to be a part of our backline.
“As he did last season, Matt’s made the most of his opportunities in the starting line-up this year. He’s a very focused and composed individual, who has come a long way physically in the last few years. He’s got a tremendous kicking and passing game and with each match continues to grow in confidence. His selection on the Wallaby tour last year was no accident and he’s certainly a player with a big future.”
Brumbies Rugby CEO Andrew Fagan says the retention of the two rising stars augurs well for the future of the CA Brumbies.
“It’s a great result for the CA Brumbies that two of the best young inside backs in the country are keen to stay in Canberra,” he said. “Given their ability and the form they’ve shown this season, it was no surprise that there was significant interest from elsewhere. However, we’re very pleased that both Christian and Matt both see their futures with the CA Brumbies. We’d love to see that loyalty repaid with on-field success at the provincial level and their hard work and ability rewarded with higher representative honours.”
Christian Lealiifano
Position: Inside Centre/Flyhalf
Physical: 1.79m, 92kg
Age: 24.09.1987, Auckland (NZ)
Investec Bank Super 14 Caps: 28
Investec Bank Super 14 Points: 41 (7t, 2dg)
Investec Bank Super 14 Debut: 2008 v Crusaders, Christchurch
Matt To'omua
Position: Flyhalf
Physical: 1.82m, 93kg
Age: 02.01.1990, Melbourne
Investec Bank Super 14 Caps: 17
Investec Bank Super 14 Points: 10 (1t, 1c, 1dg)
Investec Bank Super 14 Debut: 2008 v Hurricanes, Canberra
The Reds better tie up Cooper pretty damn quick otherwise the Rebels will throw millions at him. They need a legitimate Wallaby signing and a flyhalf pronto.
