Former Mate Ma’a Tonga back Solomone Kata is switching codes, signing a three-year contract with the Plus500 Brumbies. It marks an end to Kata’s five year NRL career in which he played for the  New Zealand Warriors. 

“I am very happy to have signed for the Brumbies and am looking forward to joining the club for the 2020 season and beyond”, Kata said in a Brumbies media statement on Wednesday. 

“I have heard very good things about the Brumbies and how they have developed their players and can’t wait to get to Canberra to start my professional rugby union career”, he added. 

The 24-year-old from Vava’u played rugby union before switching to rugby league in 2013. He debuted for the Warriors in 2015 and made six international appearances for Tonga including one game in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. 

Head Coach Dan McKellar was pleased with the all-around ability of Kata and said that he was considering him for any back position. 

“At this stage we see him as a utility back and we will be open minded about the position he plays for the Brumbies in 2020.”

“Beyond having a very successful career in the NRL, Solomone also has a strong Rugby Union background having grown up playing the game. 

“This prior knowledge and experience will help him make the transition back to Rugby."