Fotu Auelua on the charge in last season’s Super Rugby final against the Chiefs

Brumbies Media Release –

Scans have confirmed that Brumbies loose-forward Fotu Auelua will miss between 10-12 weeks after suffering a medial ligament rupture during Saturday’s match against the ACT XV.

Auelua will aim to return for the back half of the Brumbies season with ambitions to be fully fit for a Super Rugby Final rematch against the Chiefs on Anzac Day. He suffered the rupture during the second half after being collected from the side of a ruck.

Auelua said while he was disappointed with the results of the scans he had full confidence the club would be able to get him back on the park quickly.

“Originally we’d probably hoped for less time out than 10 weeks but that’s the reality of the situation and it’s now a target I’ll be working towards diligently,” Auelua said.

“It was just one of those things, it could have happened at any time of the season so I guess I’m just lucky that I will still have an opportunity to compete in 2014.

“Fortunately we have a great support and medical staff here at the Brumbies and they have been fantastic since Friday night. The team here are very tight-knit and I know I can count on them to get me through this tough patch.

“Brumbies supporters can rest easy knowing that I’ll be doing my best to get back on the field as quickly as possible.”

Having joined the Brumbies for the 2012 Super Rugby season, Auelua has quickly become a favourite both on and off the field.

A big 2014 pre-season provided Auelua with an avenue to the Brumbies leadership group – a position he will maintain during his time in rehabilitation.

The No. 8-come-blind-side flanker had only recently returned from rehabilitation after undergoing shoulder surgery during the off-season.

Fotu Auelua

POS: No. 8/Blind-side Flanker

SR Caps: 25

SR Pts: 5 (1t)

Super Rugby Debut: 2012 v Rebels, Canberra

H/W: 1.89m, 115kg

DOB: 29/01/1984, Wellington, New Zealand

Club: Western Districts, ACT