THE starting No. 8 position at the Brumbies in 2018 is there for Isi Naisarani to grab with both hands after he agreed to a one-year deal in Canberra on Tuesday.

The Fijian-born Naisarani is an imposing figure at 1.95m and 110kg and only a fortnight ago starred for his the Perth Spiriti in their NRC clash against the Canberra Vikings, impressing with his blocking runs, strong carries and offloads.

Naisarani’s senior career began with Brisbane City in the NRC where he played seven matches and crossed for five tries in what was a standout year for the youngster, before being contracted to the Western Force for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

He enjoyed an excellent Super Rugby debut campaign in 2017, claiming the Nathan Sharpe Medal as their Player of the Year in the west.

Isi is the first player to win that award in their first season of professional rugby, compiling some impressive statistics along the way with 126 runs, 662 run metres, 22 tackle busts and 108 tackles.

His presence in the nation’s capital will mean that the Brumbies will have one of the most formidable back rows in Australia when you factor in the returning presence of David Pocock.

Naisarani said he was looking forward to continuing his Super Rugby career in Canberra for the 2018 season.

“I am excited by the prospect of joining the Brumbies and am looking forward to the challenges of playing for the club,” Naisarani said.

“I have heard a lot about the culture of the Brumbies from those close to the playing group and am aware of the history of this great side.

“I am hoping to be able to make my mark and be a part of a team that will challenge for Super Rugby honours.

“It’s fantastic that the Brumbies have faith in me as a player and have brought me to Canberra, and I am now looking to repay that faith and show what I can do on the field in front of the loyal Brumbies fan-base.”

Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar added: “We are delighted to welcome Isi to the Brumbies.

“Isi is a very talented young player, capable of playing 6 and 8 with the size, speed and skills to be a real threat in attack.

“Whilst still relatively young in terms of rugby experience, Isa has the right combination of skills and character to compete strongly for a starting position.”