The Southland Stags have signed veteran Super Rugby prop Sef Fa'agase for the 2026 NPC season.
Fa'agase brings more than 100 Super Rugby appearances to Invercargill, including 92 games for the Queensland Reds. The 35-year-old has also played for the Highlanders, Melbourne Rebels, and will join the Western Force for the 2026 Super Rugby season before linking up with the Stags.
Stags head coach Scott Eade said Fa'agase's experience and willingness to immerse himself in the Southland rugby environment made him an attractive addition to the squad. The signing addresses a clear need after Morgan Mitchell's retirement left the Stags short of front-row experience.
Fa'agase is expected to arrive south next week and will work with the Rugby Southland HP/Academy programme, showing his commitment extends beyond just playing.
The prop can play both sides of the scrum — tighthead and loosehead — giving Eade valuable versatility in his forward pack. While never capped at test level, Fa'agase did represent Australia XV against the Barbarians.
His previous stint with the Highlanders in 2019 means he already knows southern rugby. That connection, combined with his professional experience across four Super Rugby franchises, should help younger Stags forwards develop their game.
The signing suggests the Stags are serious about competing in 2026, bringing in proven quality rather than hoping inexperienced players can step up immediately.