Hawera commits to Brumbies
Hawera, who has played 14 games for the club and has contributed 111 points will continue in the flyhalf role in his home town of Hamilton tomorrow when the Brumbies meet the Chiefs in the final round of regular season competition.
The pivot, who joined the side after an excellent season in the National Provincial Cup with the Southland Stags in which he scored 64 points, made his debut for the Brumbies in his native New Zealand when he formed a new half-back axis with Joe Powell against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Since then Hawera has been ever-present in the Brumbies line-up as he continues to learn the finer arts of the number ten role at Super Rugby level.
"I am delighted to be able to continue my Super Rugby career with the Brumbies in Canberra," Hawera commented.
"I have settled quite well into the City and I am enjoying my experience of playing Super Rugby with the club. The Brumbies have given me an opportunity to show what I can do at this level and I am looking forward to repaying their faith in me.
"We have an exceptional group of players here at the Brumbies and a really strong culture. We have bonded well during the season and are determined to show our best in the Finals this year.
"Longer term, we have a great balance of youth and experience and I am certain that we can continue to maintain a challenge for the title,"
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham thinks that Hawera has a lot to offer the club over the next two years.
"Wharenui first came into the Brumbies program for this year’s pre-season which started in December last year," Larkham said.
"He immediately impressed with his skill-set and ability to control a game. Any normal player who has to make the step up to Super Rugby level takes time to find their feet, but Futz has instantly become an integral part of our attacking focus.
"We are confident that he has the skills and ability to push on with his career and make a huge mark at the elite level with the Brumbies,"
The Brumbies continue their Super Rugby campaign this weekend when they take on the Chiefs in Hamilton Saturday, July 15 at FMG Stadium.
