Overview

• The NSW Waratahs confirmed a three-year contract that brings Fainga’a back to Sydney for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
• Clermont says the Wallabies hooker will be released after their next Top 14 match against Montpellier following a request from Rugby Australia.
• Coach Dan McKellar described Fainga’a as the rapid replacement for retired hooker Dave Porecki.
• High-performance director Peter Horne welcomed the move as strengthening the national set-piece and increasing competition for Test selection at hooker.
• The signing comes as the Waratahs manage further front-row turnover with reported overseas departures of props Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell.