They struggled to make a Super Rugby impact in their native New Zealand but Canberra is now feeling like home for re-signed Brumbies backs Ollie Sapsford and Tamati Tua.
Sapsford, filling in for the injured Corey Toole on the left wing, and inside centre Tua, played key roles in the 37-33 quarter-final win over the Hurricanes on Saturday.
Their contributions on and off the field have now been rewarded by the Brumbies, with both men inking contract extensions on Tuesday for the 2024 season.
Watch the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific finals on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad free, live and on demand
The late blooming Sapsford, 27, spent some time with the Hurricanes development squad but never played a Super Rugby game before moving to Australia.
He's now played 19 times for the Brumbies over two seasons and will be a reliable presence in the semi-final against the Chiefs if Toole remains on the sidelines
"I'm grateful to the club and the coaches for taking a punt bringing me over," Sapsford said.
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"We've built something really special. We've got a really talented group of boys here and I think we've just got a lot of belief in ourselves. And so we're going over there (Hamilton) with belief in our playing group to get the job done…
"A lot of my family are coming up from Christchurch and some friends which is exciting for me and exciting for them as well."
Tua, 25, played three games for the Blues between 2018-22 before opting for a fresh start under Stephen Larkham.
NEW PODCAST! Sean Maloney, Stephen Hoiles and Justin Harrison are backing the Brumbies against the Chiefs and reflect on the Waratahs and Reds bowing out of the Super Rugby Pacific finals
https://omny.fm/shows/between-two-posts-1/quarter-classics-the-final-four/embed?style=Cover
It's paid off with 12 appearances this season and a growing midfield partnership with Wallabies star Len Ikitau.
"Leaving home last year, getting out of my comfort zone was a big change for me but I'm happy I made the decision to come to the Brumbies," Tua said.
"I've only ever played for my local team so moving over the ditch was a change. But I've enjoyed it and been pretty happy to get a bit of game time."
Larkham was delighted to further fill out his stable squad for 2024.
"Both have shown that they can grow and perform in our program and have fit in well in our environment," Larkham said.
"It's a special week for the club but I imagine for Ollie and Tams, going home to New Zealand to play in the semi-finals will feel particularly special and we're certainly happy they chose to cross the ditch and play their rugby with us."
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC SEMI-FINALS
Friday, 5.05pm kick-off AEST: Crusaders (2) vs Blues (3) in Christchurch
Saturday, 5.05pm kick-off AEST: Chiefs (1) vs Brumbies (4) in Hamilton
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