Australia hooker Folau Fainga'a has signed a three-year contract with the New South Wales Waratahs in a boost to the country's preparations for the hosting of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Rugby Australia confirmed on Sunday that the 30-year-old would return to his homeland in time for the start of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season after playing in France with Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne.
The deal, which runs until the end of 2028, will see Fainga'a reconnect with NSW coach Dan McKellar, who he previously worked with during a four-year stint at the ACT Brumbies.
"I couldn't be more excited to return to Australia, and particularly to my home city of Sydney with the NSW Waratahs," said Fainga'a.
"I feel I have plenty to offer on and off the field and am looking forward to working hard and giving myself every opportunity to make a positive impact on Australian Rugby."
Fainga'a won the Super Rugby AU title with the Brumbies in 2020 and has played 38 times for the Wallabies since making his debut against New Zealand in 2018.
"With the unexpected retirement of Dave Porecki, we needed to find someone of equal quality in a very short space of time, and we have done that," said McKellar. "We are fortunate to have Folau on board."