The Plus500 Brumbies have bolstered their front-row stocks for the next four weeks of Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU with the arrival of tighthead prop Sosefo Kautai from Waikato in New Zealand.
Kautai will provide valuable cover for the Brumbies with skipper Allan Alaalatoa suspended for the next two fixtures and Tom Ross unavailable through injury, the ACT junior having suffered a knee injury against the Queensland Reds.
Kautai most recently played for Waikato in the ITM cup, New Zealand's premier provincial competition, in 2020 after a stint in Japan with the Kobelco Steelers.
The former Junior All-Black has spent most of his professional career in Waikato, both with the Mooloos in the ITM Cup and with the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
Kautai’s transition to the Brumbies will be aided by a few familiar faces at HQ, the 24-year-old having played with Jahrome Brown and James Tucker at Waikato and with Solomone Kata at Sacred Heart High School in Auckland.
Plus500 Brumbies prop Sosefo Kautai said: “I’m very excited to be joining the Brumbies.”
“I know (Plus500 Brumbies GM Professional Rugby and Pathways) Chris Tindall from my time in Waikato and he gave me a call last week letting me know there was an opportunity here for me and I jumped at the chance to get back into Super Rugby.
“I’m looking forward to making the most of my time in Canberra, learning from some top-class coaches and players.
“Most importantly, I hope I can contribute on the field for the team and will give my all to the Brumbies for as long as I am here.”
Plus500 Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar said: “We’re very happy to welcome Sefo to our club.”
“With Rossy’s injury and Allan still serving his suspension, we needed some emergency cover so to find a tighthead prop with Super Rugby experience, who’s fit and keen to play, it’s very fortunate.
“The fact Sefo knows Jahrome, Tucks, Sol and CT should help him fit in with the group and I’m confident Palms, Laurie and I along with our experienced front-rowers can help him get up to speed quickly.”
Sosefo Kautai
Position: Tighthead Prop
Date of Birth: 16/08/1996 (24)
Height: 189cm
Weight: 125kg
Super Rugby caps: 11
