Brumbies sign flyer from France
The Brumbies have signed speedster Aidan Toua from newly promoted French outfit Sporting Union Agen Lot-et-Garonne on a two-year deal.
A former Queensland Red, Toau’s arrival in the nation’s capital coincides with current Brumbies, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin and Blake Enever, both signing new two year deals to stay with the franchise.
Promising young scrumhalf Joe Powell has also signed to stay with the Brumbies extended playing squad, after three impressive Super Rugby performances in 2015.
CEO Michael Jones says it’s great for the Brumbies to have contract negotiations with a number of players already finalised ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby Season.
"We’re extremely happy that Aidan, Blake, Leslie and Joe will be part of the team until at least 2017," Jones said.
"All four have shown huge potential in different competitions.
"At the top level, Aidan has developed his game a lot in France and Blake has shown that he can match it with the best in Super Rugby.
"Leslie is a tough player, while Joe is one of the Tuggeranong Vikings top players and has a huge future in the game.
"All four will gain a lot from being a part of a Brumbies side that is filled with Super Rugby experience.
"We’re still in discussions with a few other players and hope to finalise those deals in the coming weeks."
"It’s a very exciting time for the Brumbies."
Toua, who was born in Papua New Guinea, left the Reds last year and linked with French Division Two side Sporting Union Agen Lot-et-Garonne, a team he helped to gain promotion into the French Top 14 for the 2015/2016 season.
An Australian Sevens representative, he was one of the Reds most dangerous attacking players before his departure to France.
His attacking flair, left foot kicking and game management skills are something Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham is looking forward to utilising over the next two years.
"Aidan has great pace and is always a tough player to mark," Larkham said.
"We’ve kept one eye on his progress in France and think he’s a good fit for what we do at the Brumbies.
The 25-year old made his Super Rugby debut against the Western Force in 2011 before injury restricted him to just 10 appearances for the Reds.
Toua’s instinct and ability to find open ground if given just an inch of space, is sure to assist the Brumbies experienced backline.
A star performer with the Australian Schoolboys side in 2006 and 2007, Toua will link with a number of former Australian Under-20 teammates on his arrival in Canberra.
Albert Anae was a teammate of Toua’s at the Reds. Anae also arrived in the ACT this week to link with the Brumbies.
Toua, Anae, Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Powell and Enever are all set to press their claims for a spot in Larkham’s 2016 Super Rugby squad by lining up for the University of Canberra Vikings in the 2015 National Rugby Championship, which begins in August.
