Leo Afeaki

Twenty-year-old centre Leo Afeaki will make his Investec Super 14 debut on Saturday night in the CA Brumbies starting line-up. Afeaki will join last weekend’s man of the match Tyrone Smith in the centres against the Reds at Canberra Stadium. Brumby Jack caught up with Leo ahead of his first appearance for the CA Brumbies.

Brumby Jack: How do you feel about making your Investec Super 14 debut on Saturday night?
Leo Afeaki: I’m very excited and very much looking forward to the game.

BJ: What goals did you set yourself at the beginning of the season and was playing Investec Super 14 one of them?
LA: My number one goal has been to play Super 14 but I was expecting it to be further down the track and not as early as it’s come. But my main focus has been to get stronger, leaner and faster. So this is a big surprise but one I’m looking forward to.

BJ: How have you found being part of the CA Brumbies program?
LA: I’ve never been part of anything like this before and it’s been awesome. Just training with the boys, all living close to each other, the atmosphere and the culture of the place is just fantastic… best ever.

BJ: A number of CA Brumbies centres have fallen to injury over the last fortnight. Are you worried there might be some kind of curse over the ‘12’ and ‘13’ jumpers?
LA: No, not at all. It’s just one of those things that comes with playing rugby unfortunately. I’m just trying to concentrate on my own game and trying to contribute to the success of the team.

BJ: You’re relatively new to the Brumbies Rugby program. Can you give us a rundown of your career thus far for those who are unfamiliar with your path to the CA Brumbies?
LA: I went to school at St Joseph’s and was the vice captain of the First XV, playing with another on of the Brumbies [Academy] guys, Pauliasi [Taumoepeau] who was captain. After that I went to [Sydney] Uni and played First Colts and NSW Under 19’s. I played for Second Grade the next year. My aim was to play for the Australian Under 21’s but the competition was cancelled [due to the Rugby World Cup]. I played First Grade last year and in the ARC [Mazda Australian Rugby Championship for the Sydney Fleet] before joining the [Brumbies] Academy in November.