After a breakout year, Brumbies and Wallabies centre Len Ikitau has recommitted to the club and Rugby Australia until the end of 2023.
The fleet footed outside back was a standout performer for the Brumbies in Super Rugby this year, starting all games in the 13 jersey, scoring six tries including a memorable winner against the Hurricanes.
Picked in Dave Rennie’s first Wallabies squad last year after only a handful of appearances in Brumbies colour, Ikitau made his International debut against France earlier this year, starting in the deciding Test and has gone on to feature in every game to date for Australia in this year’s Rugby Championship.
The Brisbane-raised 22-year-old scored a memorable double against South Africa on Saturday night in his first Wallabies appearance at Suncorp Stadium.
A product of the Brumbies pathways program, Ikitau made the move to Canberra after completing high school at Brisbane Boys College, rising through the ranks while progressing through the John I Dent Cup with the Tuggeranong Vikings, the NRC with the Canberra Vikings and through Super Rugby, where he debuted in 2019.
Wallabies centre Len Ikitau said he was thrilled to extend his stay at the Brumbies and he believes Canberra is the best place for him to continue improving.
“I’m stoked to be able to secure my future with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia for at least the next two years,” said Ikitau.
“I’d like to thank everyone who have helped me get to this stage of my career, it’s been a really rewarding journey so far.
“I know I have plenty of improvement left in me and Canberra is the best place for me to continue to develop my game and learn what it takes to be a professional season after season.
“I’m looking forward to finishing off the 2021 Test season strong and getting back to the Brumbies to prepare for the Super Rugby Pacific competition.”
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said the signing is exciting news for all Brumbies and Wallabies fans.
“We’re thrilled for Len and his family that he’s committed to Australian Rugby until the end of 2023,” said Rennie.
“He’s a great young talent and a humble young man who’s learning quickly what it takes to be successful at this level.
“He’s got a really mature attitude about improving every day and that’s something that’s exciting for both Wallabies and Brumbies supporters moving forward.”
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said it’s great to have a player of Ikitau’s quality commit to the club.
“It’s fantastic for the club to have Lenny locked in for at least these next two years,” said McKellar.
“His maturity as a player and a person has been clear to see from everyone at the Brumbies, and in a short amount of time, he’s become a key pillar for our team in how we look to attack and defend.
“Working with Len over the past four years or so, I’ve always known he was capable of playing at the very top level and off the back of his commitment to training and doing all the little things that make you a top professional, he’s seen the rewards and if he continues on that path, I believe he’ll be a big contributor to the Brumbies and the Wallabies for many years to come.”
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