The NSW Waratahs have secured the prized signature of Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga'a on a deal until the end of 2028. Fainga’a, who has earned 38 caps for the Wallabies, will return to his home state from France where he has been playing for Top 14 side ASM Clermont Auvergne.
The 30-year-old will arrive at Daceyville ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, adding quality and experience to the club’s hooker stocks.
Born and bred in New South Wales, Canterbury junior Fainga’a came through the Waratahs’ development pathways to represent Australia at the 2015 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.
He began his senior career with Sydney University in the Shute Shield, and played for the Sydney Stars and NSW Country Eagles in the National Rugby Championship.
From there he joined the ACT Brumbies under current NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar, making his Super Rugby debut in 2018.
Later that year he became Wallaby number 923 after making his Test debut against New Zealand and was selected in Australia’s squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Fainga’a established himself as a regular the national set-up and moved to the Western Force for one season in 2023 before pursuing the opportunity in France.
NSW Waratahs recruit Folau Fainga’a said:
“I couldn’t be more excited to return to Australia, and particularly to my home city of Sydney with the NSW Waratahs.
“The Waratahs is where I started my professional rugby journey in the Under-20s and to be coming back to work under Dan and play with some guys I know really well is something I’m massively looking forward to.
“To be closer to family is something I’m grateful for as well after being away from them for nearly 10 years now.
“I feel I have plenty to offer on and off the field and am looking forward to working hard and giving myself every opportunity to make a positive impact on Australian Rugby.”
NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said:
“We recruited Folau from Sydney Uni in 2017 and saw a dynamic hooker with strong set piece. Back then we thought he was a player with the potential to grow and develop into a very good hooker and he has done that. “He's had a good professional career in Super Rugby and at Test level and at the age of thirty he still has many years ahead of him.
“With the unexpected retirement of Dave Porecki, we needed to find someone of equal quality in a very short space of time, and we have done that. We are fortunate to have Folau on board.
“He's gone to France and played in a very good competition where, in his position, it's incredibly challenging, and you're up against world-class players week in, week out.
“That experience is going to benefit him as an individual and us as a group.”
