Tevita Kuridrani commits to Australian Rugby for one more year

Wallabies centre Tevita Kuridrani has agreed an extension to his Brumbies contract that will keep him with the Australian Conference Champions for the 2020 season.

Kuridrani, who has played 119 times for the club and has scored 28 tries, has been in superb form in 2019 crossing for seven tries in fifteen matches showcasing his explosive acceleration, physical carrying and brutal tackling.

“I am very pleased to have signed this extension to my current contract,” Kuridrani said ahead of the match against the Reds at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

“Canberra has been my home for a long time now and I love playing for the club in front of our fans who has always been very good to me. It’s a good group of players and staff here and we are like one big family.

“Canberra is a beautiful place to live and I and am looking forward to making some more happy memories with both the Brumbies and the Wallabies.”

Kuridrani, who currently has 58 caps for Australia and is aiming to be part of the Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad in Japan later this year, brings vital experience, as well as his rugby capabilities, to a young Brumbies squad.

“Tevita is a very important player in our team and it is great news that his career will continue at the Brumbies,” Head Coach Dan McKellar commented.

“Off the back of a very good pre-season, Tevita is in the best shape of his career and it is not surprising that this year has been one of his best as a Brumby.

“What has been most pleasing with Tev is that he has continued to add new skills to his game and continue to look for improvement. His footwork and speed, the ability to offload and his effective short kicking game are all qualities that now make him a handful for any defensive line.

“At the same time, he continues to be one of the best defensive centres in the world.

“As we move into next season, knowing you have a genuine World class player in the centre’s like Tev, gives our group plenty of confidence.”

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika also heaped praised on the midfielder.

“Tevita has been in strong form so far this season and I’m pleased he’s staying in Canberra with the Brumbies after the World Cup,” Cheika said.

“He got the chance to get a full preparation this year and it’s showing. I know he’s very hungry to earn a Test jersey again this season so I am looking forward to him being at his best in 2019.”