Rebels' Colby Fainga’a following family lead

Melbourne Rebels recruit Colby Fainga’a is drawing inspiration from his brothers in his pursuit to join them in the international Wallaby squad.

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Twenty-two-year-old recruit Colby Fainga'a, a former ACT Brumby, is one of the Melbourne Rebels most promising players and has his eyes on emulating his twin brothers in more ways than one.

The twins, Anthony and Saia, moved from Canberra to Brisbane to join the Queensland Reds a few years ago, but Colby said it's also their work outside of football that resonates strongly with him.

"They do an unbelievable amount of community engagement, so I suppose given the opportunity I have as a professional rugby player, there's no reason why I shouldn't take these opportunities to come down and have some fun with the kids," he said. "I really enjoy it."

Much of that, he said comes down to his bloodlines – his father is Tongan, while his great-grandfather on his mother's side was full-blood Aborigine.

"I feel privileged, being both [Tongan and Aboriginal]," he said.

"I have this opportunity to be an "Access Rugby" ambassador, and I'm loving every moment of it."

Colby said his ultimate sporting goal is to join his brothers on the international Wallaby squad.

"That's definitely my end goal, but I have a lot of work to do before I get there."

His coach, new Rebels chief Tony McGahan, says Fainga'a will become a crucial part of the team.

"He's a tremendous player in his own right," Mr McGahan said.

"He brings a real class to what he does, he's terrific at the breakdown as all breakaways are, but he's got a very solid understanding of the game."


2 min read

Published

Updated

By Glenn Osborne

Source: SBS


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Rebels' Colby Fainga’a following family lead | SBS News