Versatile prop Sef Fa’agase has signed with the Queensland Reds through 2024.
The two-year deal sees the 31-year-old’s career come full circle, with Fa’agase rising through the Queensland pathway and making his Reds debut in 2015 before stints with the Melbourne Rebels, Highlanders and abroad.
Fa’agase re-joined the Reds squad in the backend of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season and featured in five games, bringing his Queensland cap tally to 48.
Fa’agase said: “I chose to re-sign with the Reds because it’s my home state, it’s where my journey started.
“Looking from afar for the last four years, I’ve been really excited about the way this group plays footy, especially the tightness on and off the field which I got a taste for it this year.
“I feel this season, especially towards the backend, there was a lot left out there, so I wanted the chance to hopefully go further next season with this group.
“I’m grateful for the chance to be back here representing Queensland, my partner and my family.”
Reds General Manager – Professional Rugby Sam Cordingley said: “Sef made the most of his opportunity as injury cover this season.
“He has history with the Reds and brings experience and versatility in being capable either side of the scrum.
“He has the opportunity to reach 50 games for Queensland in 2023, so there's plenty of motivation for him next season.”
A Logan product, Fa’agase made his Queensland debut in 2015 after helping the University of Queensland to the Hospital Cup title in 2014.
With the ability to play on both sides of the scrum, the prop played 43 games for Queensland between 2015 and 2018.
In 2016, Fa’agase played with the Wallabies XV against the Barbarians and was part of the Australian wider training squad in 2017, before taking his talents across the ditch to New Zealand the following year.
Fa’agase featured for Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) and went on to play Super Rugby for the Highlanders in 2019.
Fa’agase turned out for the Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan and the New England Free Jacks in the United States in 2020 and 2021, before he returned to Super Rugby with the Melbourne Rebels ahead of their 2022 campaign.
Long-term injuries to Taniela Tupou and Zane Nonggorr saw Fa’agase added to the Reds squad as injury cover late in the season, with Fa’agase’s experience and leadership ensuring he was rewarded with a new a two-year deal.
- Position: Prop
- Height: 185cm
- Weight: 117kg
- Born: 03/05/1991
- Place of birth: Auckland, New Zealand
- Senior Club: University of Queensland
- School: Shailer Park State High
- Queensland debut: 13/02/2015 v Brumbies, GIO Stadium, Canberra
- Queensland caps: 48
- Super Rugby caps: 53
