Super Rugby
Ita Vaea, Rory Arnold ink Brumbies extensions
ESPN Staff
April 1, 2015
Brumbies lock Rory Arnold will remain in Canberra through 2017 © Getty Images
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The Brumbies continue to plan for the future with the club on Wednesday announcing the contract extensions of in-form forwards Rory Arnold and Ita Vaea.

The duo have inked new deals taking them through to the end of 2017 in a major boost that follows the recent extensions of Wallabies Sam Carter, Tevita Kuridrani, Scott Fardy and Josh Mann-Rea.

The two-year deal is particularly pleasing for Vaea with the No.8's career seemingly in jeopardy after blood clots were found on his lungs in 2013. But in a lesson of perseverance, the 26-year-old backrower returned to the field this year to become a vital cog in the Brumbies pack.

"When I was first told that my blood clots could threaten my career it was pretty confronting. To be here with a full-time contract almost three years down the track is exciting for me and my family," Vaea said.

"Resuming my career with the Brumbies is something I never gave up on. I've been pretty lucky too, with the support that Bernie and the other boys here have given me over the last couple of years."

Arnold, meanwhile, has been mentioned as a possible bolter for the Wallabies at this year's Rugby World Cup in England; the 208cm giant having formed a formidable lineout combination with second-row partner and Wallabies lock Carter.

"The Brumbies has really provided me with an outlet to test myself against the best so it's exciting for me to be offered another two years here," Arnold said.

"It wasn't that long ago that rugby wasn't an option for me, so a two year contract means a lot. I think back to what I knew when I arrived about nine months ago and it's been a real whirlwind experience. If I can continue to grow as a play over the next two years then it's mission accomplished in many ways."

The Brumbies are back in action in Super Rugby this week after the bye in round 7, the two-time champions hosting the Cheetahs in Canberra on Saturday night.

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