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10h ago

Clermont Releases Folau Fainga’a as Waratahs Sign Him Through 2028 in World Cup Push

The 30-year-old will rejoin NSW in 2026 on a three-year contract to restart his Test case before Australia 2027.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Folau Fainga’a of the Wallabies celebrates his try during game one of the international test match series between the Australian Wallabies and England at Optus Stadium on July 02, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • ASM Clermont Auvergne confirmed an early release for Fainga’a, stating he will leave after the next Top 14 match with a replacement hooker to be named following the international break.
  • Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs announced a three-year agreement running to the end of 2028, with Fainga’a slated to return for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
  • The move is positioned as reopening his Wallabies pathway ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup hosted in Australia.
  • Waratahs coach Dan McKellar described the signing as a direct response to Dave Porecki’s unexpected retirement.
  • Reports note Fainga’a had limited minutes at Clermont early this season before requesting the exit to seek regular game time.