Brumbies grant early release for Solomone Kata

Brumbies have announced outside-back Solomone Kata will be granted early release from his contract with immediate effect.

Having represented New Zealand and Tonga in rugby league, the 26-year-old switched code to join Brumbies in 2019 and has scored five tries in 15 games.

Even though he signed a contract extension with the club in August, Kata has now opted to remain in New Zealand for family reasons and will play for Auckland in the National Provincial Championship.

“I want to thank the Brumbies for granting me this early release," he told the club's official website.

“When I re-signed for next season, I was so excited to come back to Canberra and to continue developing at the Brumbies but being in Auckland with my family, and COVID travel restrictions, I’ve had to make some difficult choices to do the best thing for my young family.

“I’ve loved my time at the Brumbies and I wish my teammates and everyone at the club well for the future.”

Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar wished Kata good luck for his future.

“While we'll miss having Sol at the club, granting him an early release is the right thing to do in this instance."

“We’ve enjoyed having him here at the Brumbies, but we understand personal circumstances change and that it's in his best interest to remain in New Zealand."

“He’ll be a Brumby for life, and we wish Sol and his family all the best for the future.”