Flying fullback Samu Wara has signed a one-year rookie contract with the Brumbies for the 2011 Super 15 Rugby season.
The league convert joined the Brumbies Academy in early 2010 and kicked off his rugby career with two tries on debut in the Brumby Runners' 29-5 win over West Harbour in March.
The 24-year-old was a Balmain Tigers junior and represented the club's Premier League side in 2007. He spent the past two seasons representing the North Sydney Bears in Premier League.
Wara, who has scored four tries since linking with Canberra club – Easts, says he's looking forward to the new challenges rugby present.
"I'm over the moon with this opportunity – it's very exciting," he said. "It was a big decision to change codes but I felt my game suited rugby, it was a chance to try something new and there seemed to be more opportunities.
"It's been different and there's been a lot to learn each week but the coaches have been great in working with me to understand things like positional play and running lines.
"The Brumbies asked me to come down and be a part of the Academy. It's been great so far and I want to keep learning the game and work towards having a crack at Super 15 Rugby next year."
Head Coach Andy Friend says Wara is could be a dangerous prospect on the end of a backline.
"Sam has the potential to be a real excitement machine in our code," he said.
"He knows how to finish and create opportunities. He was a regular try scorer in the Premier League, and he has that ability to sniff out and finish off a try, which is often something you can't coach.
"In terms of rugby, he's still relatively raw but he's got a fantastic base level of skills backed up by plenty of natural ability.
"He's a very elusive outside back with a good step and excellent acceleration. Sam understands that he's got a lot to learn about the code and so far he's been meticulous in doing everything he can to ensure his transition is as smooth as possible."
Wara joins Ed Stubbs, Nick White, Colby Faingaa and Michael Hooper as members of the Brumbies Academy who have been promoted to the squad for the 2011 Super Rugby season.
Samu Wara
Position: Fullback/Wing
Physical: 1.84m, 90kg
Age: 24.01.1986, Sydney
Super 14 Caps: 0
Super 14 Points:
Super 14 Debut: -
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