Valetini extends Brumbies stay
Melbourne-born Valetini was signed by the Brumbies at the commencement of the 2017 Super Rugby season as one for the future amid high praise of his exploits in schoolboy rugby.
Valetini had impressed playing for the Rebels Under-20 side in the Super-20 competition of 2016, helping the team to the Grand Final and putting himself on notice with his strong running, impressive handling and high work-rate.
He latterly linked with Melbourne Rising for the 2016 National Rugby Championship and made an appearance off the bench in their semifinal loss to NSW Country before the Brumbies pounced to acquire his signature at the start of the season.
Having been selected for the Australian U20 side that travelled to the U20 Rugby World Championship in Georgia, Valetini appeared in all five matches for his country as Australia finished sixth.
"We are extremely happy to announce that Rob has extended his stint with the Brumbies for another two years," Brumbies CEO Michael Thomson commented.
"Rob is very much one or the future and we are confident that he has all the necessary attributes to succeed in Super Rugby. As a young man who has moved away from the comforts of his home and family life, Rob has settled quickly, and appreciates what we are trying to achieve here.
"He is progressing very well. Should he continue to develop at the rate that he has been over the past season, then we should see him playing Super Rugby very soon,"
At 113 kilograms and 193 centimetres, Valetini was just the second Australian forward to sign a Super Rugby contract while still being a schoolboy and is delighted that the Brumbies have extended his contract.
"I am loving life at the Brumbies and I am happy that I have the opportunity to continue to learn my rugby at the club," Valetini said.
"This last season has been very enjoyable and I have learnt a lot. Moving away from Melbourne was tricky at the start and I had to leave my family behind to chase my rugby dream. But I feel like I have exchanged one family for another.
"The Brumbies is a very close-knit group and they have made me feel very welcome. I have made some good friends during my time at the club and I feel I am improving as a player every day.
"The coaching staff here is first class and we have a great bunch of blokes in the squad and just being around the experienced guys means that I am learning new things and how to be a professional athlete,"
