Tetera Faulkner signs new two-year deal with Australian Rugby and Western Force

Tue, Feb 24, 2015, 1:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

The Australian Rugby Union has re-signed promising Western Force prop Tetera Faulkner on a new two-year contract extension through until the end of 2017.

The talented 26-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2014 campaign where he made his Test debut against Wales in Cardiff, before earning a second international cap during Australia’s Spring Tour match against Ireland in Dublin.

His success came on the back of a record-setting Super Rugby campaign for the Western Force, who won a franchise high nine games, with his unique ability to play on both sides of the scrum as either a loosehead or tighthead prop proving invaluable at a Test and provincial level.

After experiencing Test Rugby for the first time in 2014, Faulkner said he was excited about his future ahead with Australian Rugby.

“I was shocked to be picked for my initial squad in Brisbane but it was very exciting. Said Faulkner

“To be able to go over and play my first Test in the UK was very special. Being able to pull on the jersey, sing the anthem and play my first Test in front of 60,000 to 70,000 Welsh supporters was just amazing.

“I learnt a lot from that first experience and touring. It gave me a good understanding of how consistently I need to be performing to be a part of that team.

“Having played at that level, I definitely want more of it. Through my performances with the Force, I definitely want to impress, but I also want to be able to help my teammates around me to reach higher honours as well.”

Faulkner has followed a traditional Rugby pathway on his way to elite-level success and was a former Australian representative at a Schoolboy, Under 19 and Under 20 level.

He made his Super Rugby debut with the Western Force in 2011, after earlier enjoying stints with the ACT Brumbies NSW Waratahs Academies.

Tetera Faulkner

Height: 1.78m

Weight: 117kg

Born: 26/07/1988 – Tauranga, New Zealand

Province: Western Force

Test Caps: 2

Test Debut: 2014 v Wales, Cardiff

Super Rugby Caps: 31

Super Rugby Debut: 2011 v Rebels, Melbourne

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