Ikitau & Lolesio Commit to Brumbies
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Brumbies Academy graduates Len Ikitau and Noah Lolesio have signed new contracts to extend their stay with the club. Ikitau has signed until the end of 2021 whilst Lolesio will be with the Brumbies until 2022.
Ikitau made his Brumbies debut in the 26-21 home win over the Blues at GIO Stadium, the 20-year-old, becoming Brumby #219. Ikitau joined the Brumbies Academy in 2016.
The hard-running centre made an immediate impact against the New Zealanders, drafted into the team after the late withdrawal of Tevita Kuridrani, and showing he was well-prepared to step-up by putting in an excellent debut performance.
Lolesio has continued his development at the club, joining the Academy in 2017 culminating in his selection for the Junior Wallabies World Cup Squad which was announced last week. The 19-year-old played a starring role in the comprehensive win over New Zealand in the U20 Oceania Championships on the Gold Coast.
“The extension of both Lenny and Noah’s contracts continues our objective of growing and promoting our own Super Rugby talent at the club,” Plus500 Brumbies Head Coach Dan McKellar commented.
“Both are highly talented and hard-working young backs who have a bright future in the game. Lenny has already made an impression on his debut against the Blues and Noah has been in tremendous form for the Junior Wallabies.
“They are exciting players who will no doubt continue to improve, and we look forward helping and seeing their further development and progress with the Brumbies.”
Both Ikitau and Lolesio were delighted to extend their contracts with the Super Rugby club.
“I am very happy to have signed an extension to my contract at the Brumbies,” Ikitau said. “Having made my debut against the Blues I have the confidence that I can play at the Super Rugby level. I am looking forward to working hard to improve my game and help the team to success.”
“Signing a new deal at the Plus500 Brumbies is fantastic,” Lolesio commented. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the club so far and am learning new things every day off our coaching staff and the experienced players we have within the environment.
“I see a big future for myself and for the club and it’s going to be really exciting to be a part of.”