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Brumbies sign former Reds flyer Aidan Toua
By Rugby Week on 1st June 2015
Canberra Super rugby franchise the Brumbies have signed former Queensland Reds
speedster Aidan Toua on a two-year Super Rugby deal.
Toau's arrival in the Australia's capital coincides with current
Brumbies, Leslie Leulua'iali'i-Makin and Blake Enever, both signing
new two year deals to stay with the club.
Promising young halfback Joe Powell has also signed to stay with the Brumbies
Extended Playing Squad, after three impressive Super Rugby performances in 2015.
CEO Michael Jones says it's great for the Brumbies to have contract negotiations
with a number of players already finalised ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby Season.
"We're extremely happy that Aidan, Blake, Leslie and Joe will be
part of the club until at least 2017, " Jones said.
"All four have shown huge potential in different competitions.
"At the top level, Aidan has developed his game a lot in France and Blake
has shown that he can match it with the best in Super Rugby.
"Leslie is one of the toughest players in the John I Dent Cup week-in
week-out, while Joe is one of the Tuggeranong Vikings top players and has a
huge future in the game.
"All four will gain a lot from being a part of a Brumbies side that is
filled with Super Rugby experience.
"We're still in discussions with a few other players and hope to
finalise those deals in the coming weeks. "
"It's a very exciting time for the club. "
Toua, who was born in Papua New Guinea, left the Reds last year and linked
with French Division Two side Sporting Union Agen Lot-et-Garonne, a team he
helped to gain promotion into the French Top 14 for the 2015/2016 season.
A former Australian Sevens representative, he was one of the Reds most dangerous
attacking players before his departure to France.
His attacking flair, left foot kicking and game management skills are something
Brumbies Head Coach Stephen Larkham is looking forward to utilising over the
next two years.
"Aidan has great pace and is always a tough player to mark, " Larkham
"We've kept on eye on his progress in France and think he's
a good fit for what we do at the Brumbies.
The 25-year old made his Super Rugby debut against the Western Force in 2011
before injury restricted him to just 10 appearances for the Reds.
Toua's instinct and ability to find open ground if given just an inch
of space, is sure to assist the Brumbies experienced backline.
A star performer with the Australian Schoolboys side in 2006 and 2007, Toua
will link with a number of former Australian Under 20 teammates on his arrival
in Canberra.
Albert Anae was a teammate of Toua's at the Reds. Anae also arrived in
the ACT this week to link with the Brumbies.
Toua, Anae, Leulua'iali'i-Makin, Powell and Enever are all set to press their
claims for a spot in Larkham's 2016 Super Rugby squad by lining up for the Vikings
in the 2015 National Rugby Championship, which begins in August.
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