Brumbies enforcer Fotu Auelua signs new one-year deal to stay with ACT club

BRUMBIES enforcer Fotu Auelua was reportedly in the sights of the Reds, but has opted to stay on with the ACT club after signing a new one-year contract.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Fotu Auelua of the Brumbies is pictured during the round 16 Super Rugby match between the Brumbies and the Rebels at Canberra Stadium on May 31, 2014 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

BRUMBIES enforcer Fotu Auelua says while Laurie Fisher’s imminent departure is unsettling, it didn’t deter him from re-signing for another Super Rugby season.

Fisher, the Brumbies’ director of rugby, revealed just over a week ago he will return to European rugby at season’s end to coach Gloucester.

That means this Friday’s last round clash between the Brumbies and the Force — where the winner will reach the finals — could be Fisher’s last with the ACT club.

Fotu Auelua in action for the Brumbies earlier this year.

Auelua had reportedly been the subject of interest from Australian conference rivals Queensland, but announced today that he had re-signed with the Brumbies until the end of 2015.

He admitted Fisher’s highly regarded technical knowledge in the forwards would be a “massive loss”, but said it wasn’t so big as to prevent the hard-hitting No. 8 from staying on at the club.

“He’s one of the best in the game at what he does,” Auelua said.

“It’s unsettling and obviously a lot of boys will be thinking that it will be a negative for the squad.

“But look, we’ve got great players now with a lot of experience that will have learnt a lot from him.”

Auelua was a shock selection in the 30-man Wallabies squad for the 2013 British and Irish Lions series before he was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

He’s been just as unfortunate in 2014, sustaining a knee injury before the opening round of Super Rugby that kept him sidelined for half the season.

The 30-year-old played down suggestions he had re-signed with the club only until the end of 2015 to make a last ditch Wallabies push before heading overseas after the World Cup.

“My main focus is getting on the field and staying fit,” he said.

“If you sign for three years you become comfortable. I want to stay on my toes.”

Originally published as Brumbies enforcer Fotu Auelua signs new one-year deal to stay with ACT club