Star backrower Rob Valetini has penned a new deal to remain with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia until the end of 2023.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a stellar 2021 season and was the Brumbies best in their Semi Final victory over the Western Force on Saturday night.
Valetini has started every game for the club this season and will be a key member of the team as they look for back-to-back titles in the Super Rugby AU Grand Final against the Queensland Reds on Saturday night, 8 May.
Born and educated in Melbourne, Valetini joined the Brumbies from school and earned his stripes playing for Canberra Vikings in the NRC before making his Super Rugby debut against the Sunwolves in 2018.
Valetini has played every Super Rugby game since the start of 2020 and has represented the Wallabies on four occasions.
Valetini said he was thrilled to remain in Canberra for the next couple of years and there was still room to grow.
“I couldn’t be happier to be calling the Brumbies home for a further two years,” said Valetini.
“The coaching and staff here have really helped in my development as a player and also as a person and I feel I’ve got a lot of improvement left in me.
“The club and Rugby Australia have showed a lot of faith in me and I look forward to repaying that.”
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said Valetini has not only improved as a player but also as a person.
“Rob’s development as a player is clear for all to see and his growth away from the field as a person is also really impressive.”
“He’s really matured as a member of the squad and is becoming a leader within the group which has helped translate to more consistent performances on the field.
“He’s become one of the best trainers in the group and is understanding what it takes to be a professional footballer day in day out.”
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said Valetini’s signing is exciting news for the national team.
“From an Australian Rugby point of view it’s incredibly pleasing to re-sign a player of Rob’s potential.”
“We saw really big shifts from Rob in the last weeks of our campaign in 2020 and to his credit he’s worked incredibly hard in the off season and has been a stand out performer for the Brumbies week in week out.
“His impact on the game, with or without the ball is impressive and that’s exciting for the Wallabies moving forward.”
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