After graduating to the Brumbies’ Super Rugby Pacific squad in 2022, loosehead prop Fred Kaihea has re-signed with the club until the end of 2024.
The Erindale College product joined the Brumbies pathways program straight out of school, and represented the Brumbies from U16 level through to making his professional debut against the Western Force in 2021, Kaihea having come into the squad initially as injury cover.
A naturally gifted athlete with speed and power, Kaihea, 22, has benefited from the guidance of Wallabies loosehead duo James Slipper and Scott Sio at Brumbies HQ, while honing his craft with the Queanbeyan Whites, who have played a significant role in Kaihea’s journey.
Kaihea said he’s thrilled to continue at the Brumbies and is looking forward to pushing for more playing time.
“I’m grateful to be able to continue my career here in Canberra with the Brumbies.”
“The club has supported me so much since leaving school, along with my family at Queanbeyan Whites, and I’m humbled to continue to represent the Brumbies.
“I feel very fortunate to have learned so much from Scotty and Slips, on and off the field and I’m excited to push for more minutes over the next couple of years.”
Brumbies General Manager Professional Rugby and Pathways Chris Tindall said it’s good to see another local talent continue to progress.
“It’s fantastic to have Fred continuing with the Brumbies.
“Fred has worked hard in his training and playing development, he’s been patient while learning from more experienced players and off the back of that work, he’s in a good position to develop further and perform in 2023 and beyond.
“It’s fantastic to see another local pathways product progress through the ranks and a special mention goes to our pathways staff, Andy Clark and Daniel Hooper together with our Brumbies performance staff as well as everyone at the Queanbeyan Whites for the role they have played in Fred’s development to be a Brumby.”
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