Robert Valetini, born on September 3, 1998, is an Australian rugby union player who currently plays as a back row forward for the Brumbies in Super Rugby.
Hailing from Melbourne, Valetini comes from a Fijian background with his parents, Manueli and Finau Valetini. He attended Westall Secondary College where his rugby talents began to emerge.
Representing Victorian state teams at various age levels, including under-16, under-18, and under-20, Valetini quickly established himself as a promising young player.
Valetini's professional career kicked off while he was still in school. At the age of 17, he made headlines by signing an Extended Playing Squad contract with the Brumbies for the 2017 season, becoming just the second Australian rugby forward to secure a Super Rugby contract while still a schoolboy.
Despite early injury setbacks, his potential and dedication earned him a spot in the Australia Under-20 team for the 2017 World Championship held in Georgia.
In the same year, Valetini signed a two-year full-time Super Rugby contract extension with the Brumbies, solidifying his commitment to the team until 2019. He also showcased his skills in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) as a member of the Canberra Vikings.
His impressive performances caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his international debut for Australia against Samoa in September 2019.
Known for his powerful ball-carrying ability and robust defense, Valetini has made a significant impact on the field with his physicality and athleticism. Standing at 6'3" (191 cm) and weighing around 242 lbs (110 kg), he possesses the strength and agility to dominate in the back row.
His explosive runs and bone-crunching tackles have made him a standout player, not only in Super Rugby but also on the international stage.
With a bright future ahead, Valetini is considered one of the brightest young talents in Australian rugby. His versatility allows him to excel in both blindside flanker and number eight positions, providing flexibility and adaptability to his game.
As he continues to refine his skills and gain more experience, he is poised to become a key player for both the Brumbies and the Wallabies, leaving a lasting impact on Australian rugby.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Valetini has been named in the training squad for Australia.
KG(07/07/2023)
Career
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ACT Brumbies Blindside Flanker |
2017 - present |
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Canberra Vikings Blindside Flanker |
2017 - present |
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Australia Blindside Flanker |
2019 - present |
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Melbourne Rising Openside Flanker |
2016 - 2017 |
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Australia U20's No. 8 |
2017 - 2019 |
