Earlier this week, Brumbies forward Ita Vaea announced his immediate retirement due to health reasons.
The 27 year old back rower made 48 Super Rugby appearances during his time in Canberra, scoring six tries, as well as scoring seven Buildcorp NRC tries across 14 appearances for the NSW Country Eagles (2014) and UC Vikings (2015). In December 2015, Ita was named the Buildcorp NRC Player of the Year at the Volvo-RUPA Awards Lunch.
Robin Duff, RUPA's Player Development Manager at the Brumbies, said she was grateful for the legacy (and lessons) Ita leaves behind in Canberra, as he begins the next chapter of his life.
"Ita, your realisation that there are many journeys in someone’s life and all are as valuable as the next one is spot on, and will really help you along the way," Duff said.
"Your outlook on your situation is truly inspirational and puts what’s important into perspective for everyone around you. You are already looking at the opportunities now available to you and I know that with your drive and personality you will be successful in anything you want to do.
"As RUPA's Player Development Manager at the Brumbies, I am humbled to be able to walk alongside you into your next wonderful adventure and I know that everyone at RUPA, the Brumbies and indeed the whole Rugby family are walking with you."
