Brumbies sign former two-test Wallabies back Chris Feauai-Sautia

The Brumbies have signed injury-prone former Reds back Chris Feauai-Sautia ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.

A schoolboy prodigy, Feauai-Sautia’s rugby career with Queensland was curtailed by injury leading the Reds to cut him at the end of 2020.

He managed 81 appearances with Queensland over nine years and two tests with the Wallabies and when fit was viewed as a genuine game-breaker.

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Now 27, Feauai-Sautia was signed to a full contract by then Reds coach Ewen McKenzie while he was still at school at Brisbane State High in 2011.

Comfortable on the wing and in the midfield, Feauai-Sautia joins the Brumbies after a season playing in France with Oyonnax.

“I’m really excited to be here in Canberra with the Brumbies,” Feauai-Sautia said.

“I’ve had some epic battles with the Brumbies playing for the Reds and I’ve always had great respect for the club so it will be awesome to wear the colours and do my best to add to a team that has been building over the last couple of years.

“The club definitely has a reputation for getting the best out of players and working hard, and at this point in my career, I feel like this is the perfect place for me to be.”

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said Feauai-Sautia would add welcome depth to the backline stocks.

“At his very best, Chris has been as threatening a player you will come across in Super Rugby and we believe he can get back to those heights in our program,” McKellar said.

“Heading into a new competition where we’re going to be tested every week, it’s important we have depth across the board and with Chris’ experience, it gives us another quality option.”

Brumbies 2021-22 transfers

In: Jesse Mogg (Pau), Chris Feauaia-Sautia (Oyonnax), Rod Iona (Tuggernong Vikings), Hudson Creighton (Reds), Ed Kennedy (Scalrets)

Out: Mack Hansen (Connacht), Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Western Force), Bayley Kuenzle (Western Force), Reesjan Pasitoa (Western Force), Reece Tapine (Western Force), Tom Cusack (retired), Harry Lloyd (Western Force), Archer Holz (Waratahs)

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