Brumbies lock in New Zealand-born star
CONTRACT NEWS: The Brumbies shored up their midfield by extending the stay of a New Zealand-born star.
The Brumbies are delighted to announce that Irae Simone has signed a two-year contract extension, committing his future to the club until the end of 2022.
Simone arrived in Canberra from Sydney in 2018 and played his first season for the Brumbies last year, featuring in 16 of the Brumbies’ 18 Super Rugby fixtures, starting both the quarter-final and the semi-final.
A former New Zealand Schoolboys Under-18s representative, Simone moved to Australia in 2014, spending two years at NRL club South Sydney before returning to rugby at Norths in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition.
It was in there in Norths’ 2016 Premiership year he was named Rookie of the Year, before standout performances in the NRC landed him at the Waratahs for the 2017 and 2018 Super Rugby seasons.
Since his arrival in Canberra, Simone has also represented the Canberra Vikings in the NRC and is affiliated with the Uni-Norths Owls in the John I Dent Cup.
The 193cm and 103kg, Simone developed a formidable midfield pairing alongside Tevita Kuridrani last year and will be looking to build on his debut season at the club in 2020.
Simone started at inside centre in the Brumbies opening fixture last Friday night, scoring the club’s first try of the season.
Brumbies inside centre Irae Simone said: “I couldn’t be happier to be extending my stay at the Brumbies.”
“My family and I are really enjoying our time here in Canberra and the organisation has welcomed us with open arms since I arrived here last year.
“I’m really excited by the future the club is building and am looking forward to a successful season in 2020.”
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to lock Irae in for another few years here at the Brumbies.”
“He played a lot of minutes for us last year and I’m sure he’ll be looking to go up a level with his performances in 2020 and beyond.
“Irae has grown on and off the field since he arrived last year and is a really well-respected player amongst the group.”
