'I have to pinch myself': Sefo Kautai bolsters Brumbies pack after re-signing for 2022

Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 3:30 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Wallabies win 4 in a row in 2021 as they down the Pumas at CBUS stadium

The Brumbies have confirmed the re-signing of prop Sefo Kautai ahead of Super Rugby Pacific.

The Junior All Blacks joined the club mid-way through Super Rugby AU as cover after a string of injuries to their front-row.

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He would go on to make his debut against the Force just days after arriving in the nation's capital, going on to play five games for the club.

After a promising debut season, Kautai was excited to re-commit to the Brumbies for 2022.

"I'm really pleased to be coming back to Canberra with the Brumbies," he said in a statement.

"I didn't know what to expect when I came in last season, but the club were just so welcoming to me, and I loved every minute of it.

"Working with our coaches, the experienced front-rowers we have has been great for me and my game and I'm just looking forward to getting back to the Brumbies for preseason and doing my best for the club."

Kautai adds to a stacked Brumbies front-row, with five from the side (Slipper, Alaalatoa, Fainga'a, Sio, Lonergan) selected for the Wallabies this year, with a sixth (McInerney) making the trip to Europe.

The prospect of continuing to work alongside the talented group made it easy to recommit to the club.

"It was pretty awesome rubbing shoulders with one of the best props in the world in Allan. I have to pinch myself," he told media after the announcement.

"I learnt a lot from Laurie (Fisher) from Dan (McKellar) and all the international players which was good."

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Having excelled with no pre-season and limited time with the club, Brumbies coach Dan McKellar was looking forward to seeing how the 25-year-old develops as a full-time member of the squad.

"We were really impressed with Sefo last year, so we're delighted we'll have him back again this season," he added.

"Given he had no preseason with us, had a mountain of detail thrown at him, we thought he did exceptionally well and with his age profile, we think he's someone who can grow with us. 

"Tighthead props aren't exactly easy to find so to have Allan, Rossy and Sefo gives us tremendous depth in a position which you need to be strong at any level of the game, and I'm excited to see how good Sefo can be with a preseason under his belt."

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