The 21-year-old made his Australia debut in this season's opening Bledisloe Cup match against New Zealand and went on to start the Wallabies' final two games. Genia's new contract is further good news for Reds fans who welcomed the appointment of Ewen McKenzie as coach earlier this month.

"It's been a rapid rise for me this year but I certainly haven't taken any of it for granted," Genia said. "I have tried to make the most of all opportunities I've received at training or on game day, and I've enjoyed every moment. I had no hesitation in re-signing with Australian Rugby and Queensland, and hopefully I'll be more involved with the Wallabies in the future."

Genia is part of the Australia squad that departs for Japan and then Europe as they face New Zealand before visiting all four home unions. And the Papua New Guinean born star is relishing the challenge.

"I'm really excited about this upcoming tour - the challenge of playing a Bledisloe Cup match in Japan and then all four Home Unions in the UK and Ireland," Genia said. "From that perspective, it will not be a Grand Slam tour unless we win all four Tests, so we need to approach them one at a time and not get ahead of ourselves."

The talented flanker lost his place Adam Thomson in New Zealand's final Tri-Nations win over Australia. Speaking after the final day of the All Blacks' three day training camp he told of his disappointment at missing out. With Rodney So'oialo and Liam Messam also in the squad the competition for places will be fierce.

"It was quite disappointing not to play in that last Test," he said. "It's an awesome challenge for me to have Adam there. He's on top of his game and it is quite healthy for the loose forwards to have a contest for a spot in the team. It is going to be a huge challenge for me to get that jersey back."

"With the results of the Tri-Nations we didn't really get to play the rugby we wanted to and we didn't show what rugby we usually play in New Zealand. I think with the fresh voices in the unit, with the coaches swapping roles, it is exciting for the boys. All we are trying to do is get back to basics and play exciting rugby that we usually play."

And Kaino is looking forward to the clash witht he Wallabies in Tokyo, and he says they will be smarting after their heavy defeat in Wellington.

"When we played them last we had our backs against the wall and were under a lot of pressure in the media and in the public and I think Australia will feel the same probably over the last few weeks heading into Tokyo.

"We knew what it was like to be under the pump and the performance the boys put out in Wellington (answered the critics) and Australia are in a similar camp so we are going to expect a fight back from them."

"Interest in the South Africa game has been absolutely huge," said Tigers managing director David Clayton. "We have had enquiries from supporters from all over the country and sales have been strong from the first day. We've had many great occasions over the years at Welford Road and the opportunity to see the world champions in action on Leicester Tigers soil will be right up there."

Declan Kidney's Ireland 'A' won the Churchill Cup with a comprehensive 49-22 win over the Saxons in Denver in June and Stuart Lancaster's men will be hoping to bounce back from that defeat in Bath.

"It would be fabulous for us to get a great result and put the disappointment of the Churchill Cup behind us; that is a key motivator for us going into the game," Lancaster said. "This is an opportunity for players to put on the Saxons jersey again and represent their country in what promises to be a full blooded international match.

"The Rec provides the perfect setting and a great atmosphere and environment for us and we are looking forward to their loyal and knowledgeable crowds getting right behind the team which will hopefully include some of their own stars."