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Faingaa twins re-sign for Reds

Johannesburg - Reds twins Anthony and Saia Faingaa will continue their pursuit of more Super Rugby success after re-signing with Queensland Rugby through to the end of 2013.

The two charismatic Reds stars played a crucial role in last year’s championship triumph and are seen as a major asset to the Queensland Rugby organisation where they are both role models and hugely popular figures within the Rugby community.

The Queanbeyan-born twins moved north to join the Reds for the 2009 season and have since gone on to earn a combined 80 Queensland provincials caps and a further 30 test appearances.

During this time they have become two of the Reds biggest drawcards with fans drawn to their approachable nature and talents on the pitch.

The Faingaa’s have also been active National Breast Cancer Foundation Ambassadors where they have taken an active role in raising awareness and funds of breast cancer to assist with research in early prevention and finding a cure for the disease.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie said the Faingaa’s decision to remain with the Reds highlighted the importance they placed on remaining with the organisation and in Queensland.

“Anthony and Saia could have commanded more money overseas but they’ve shown once again that they’re both young men with plenty of character by making a decision best suited to their future aspirations in Rugby as opposed to a decision based on money,” McKenzie said.

“Playing for Queensland obviously means a lot to them and they’re typical of the type of players and personalities we want to continue attracting and retaining at this organisation.

“Their decision also further reinforces the efforts being made in the contracting space with their value to the Reds extending far beyond their on-field talents.”

Anthony Faingaa said playing alongside brother Saia and the opportunity to continue forging a career in Queensland both at the Reds and off the field were major factors in their decision to remain.

“There is a lot we still want to accomplish both individually and as brothers and we believe Queensland is the best option to realise our goals at Super Rugby and a national level,” he said.

“We’re also interested in building a career outside of Rugby and in the business world and we feel we can do that here in Brisbane.

“There is a special camaraderie and bond the current squad shares and that is something anyone in our team would find difficult to walk away from.

Saia Faingaa echoed the sentiments of his brother.

“Anthony and I have been playing football together since we were five-years old and we have a desire to finish our careers alongside one another,” he said.

“The Reds gave us an opportunity to play together in Queensland a few years ago and they’ve shown us once again that they want us here. The decision to come here in 2009 was the right one and we’ve built a lot of strong relationships in Rugby and business circles along the way.

“There is still more we want to achieve in Australia and the Reds undoubtedly are the best place for us to accomplish our goals.

“The way fans have embraced us both is also very special and we are keen to continue giving back to those that continue to support us.”

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