Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
(Brumbies debut 2007 v Bulls)
Melbourne, Australia
(Wallaby No 846)
Saia: "Anthony may be my younger brother (by 5 minutes) but he is also my biggest inspiration to my life and career."
Anthony and I grew up playing rugby league for the Queanbeyan Kangaroo’s starting in the Under 5’s. For a school project around the same time we wrote that when we grew up we wanted to play for the wallabies together.
It has been a long, hard journey for Anthony and he has overcome huge hurdles to get to where he is today. In 2005 when he was laying in a hospital in South Africa after what can only be described as a career ending injury, our joint dream of one day standing side-by-side singing the national anthem in a wallaby’s jersey seemed near impossible.My twin brother is the most determined, stubborn and focused person I know, not playing rugby again was not an option for Anthony. Not only was he up and running again—but has gone on to become a Super Rugby premiership winning, Rugby world cup bronze medalist professional rugby player with phenomenal playing stats. He defied those who told him he couldn’t.
Anthony got his first super rugby cap playing for the Brumbies in 2007 against the bulls aged 20, only a year after being selected as Vice- Captain (I was of course captain) for the U19’s world championships.Anthony kicked the winning drop goal to seal the victory of the tournament beating New Zealand; he then went on to be nominated for the IRB’s U19 player of the year.
After these highlights Anthony was then struck with injuries and struggled to get game time. He remained focused and worked hard and eventually in 2010 under Link (QLD Reds Coach Ewan McKenzie) got a chance to show the rugby world what I always knew: He is a confident ball player and a punishing defender.
Anthony pushes me to be a better football player, a better person, friend, son, and brother and of course team mate. Anthony inspires me daily.
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
(2006 v Stormers,
Cape Town for Brumbies)
Canberra, Australia
Anthony: “Saia has always driven me to be better. He leads by example, has an enormous heart and love of life”
We grew up playing League, but switched codes when we attended St. Edmund's in Canberra. We both played as back rowers, but It was our 1st XV coach that made us switch positions. I was instructed to trim down and speed up and (much to his delight) Saia was told to beef up to become a hooker—he hasn’t stopped eating since.
Saia was selected to join the Brumbies academy at just 14, played in the Australian schoolboys teams in 2003 & 04 and captained the World Championship winning (thanks to my drop goal) u19’s team in 2006. That same year Saia played his first Super Rugby game for the ACT Brumbies against the Stormers in Cape Town. Saia’s rise continued in 2007 playing 11 Matches in Super Rugby that year.
In 2009, when we both made the move to the QLD Reds to continue on our dream to play together. In 2011 Saia stepped up as a non-stop hard worker whose pumping leg drives bullocked him through defenders all season, he was rewarded with a wallabies call up and every game gave his all.
My proudest moments have been Saia’s achievements, he has always led the way for me. Like a great big brother he drives me to not be left behind, he sets the path for me to follow. We are each other’s biggest critics and each other’s biggest supporters.
After years of blood sweat and tears, working together to reach our childhood goal; in July 2011, I was selected to join Saia in the Wallabies 22 to play against New Zealand in Melbourne. When I called mum to tell her, she pulled out our grade 1 project and told us to set a new goal because we had achieved our biggest.
Working on and off the field, we do our best
to give back to our community and help support organisations that do such fantastic work.
Mission Australia's vision is to create a fairer Australia by enabling people in need to find pathways to a better life. Pathways to sustainable employment, stronger families and happier, healthier children and pathways away from homelessness. |
We became Team Pink Ambassadors in 2010 after personally being affected by breast cancer. Our grandma Evelyn was diagnosed twice with the disease, and since then we've done all we can to raise awareness and funds to the cause. |
We’d like to thank our partners who support us off the field.
 | The outstanding facilities at each dealership are available to all Lexus owners and their guests, with the option of 4 vehicle service centre locations for your closest convenience. |
 | Kooga are the innovative and distinctive sportswear brand, developed to fulfil the needs of the modern player and supporter; from technical training and match day equipment and apparel to a superior lifestyle and supporters range. |
 | Inklab are a brand experience studio. The combination of art and design create unique brands, which engage your audience. |
 | SEIKO, a brand synonymous with quality and reliability have an unbroken history of over 130 years producing horological products. SEIKO is a brand who has stood the test of time, and their products reflect the company’s creed of ‘Dedicated to Perfection’ |
