Anthony Fainga'a
A hard-nosed defensive centre whose tackling and leadership were central to the Queensland Reds' 2011 Super Rugby title.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Australia international rugby union player·Birthday: February 2·Millennials
Biography
Anthony Fainga'a carved out a formidable rugby career not with flashy footwork, but with a relentless, physical commitment to defence. Born in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, he and his twin brother Saia rose through the ranks together, their careers often intertwining. Anthony's defining characteristic was his uncompromising presence in the midfield. While he possessed solid attacking skills, it was his ability to shut down opposition attacks with textbook, often brutal, tackles that made him invaluable. His peak came with the Queensland Reds, where his defensive grit formed the backbone of the team that, under Quade Cooper and Will Genia, captured the 2011 Super Rugby title in a thrilling final. His 23 caps for the Wallabies were earned through this same dependable toughness, often coming off the bench to solidify the midfield in tight contests. After retiring, he transitioned smoothly into coaching, bringing his detailed understanding of defensive structure to new generations of players.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Anthony was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Anthony Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Anthony's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2011 Super Rugby championship as a key defensive centre for the Queensland Reds.
- Earned 23 test caps for the Australian national team, the Wallabies, between 2010 and 2013.
- Played a central role in the Brumbies' run to the 2013 Super Rugby final.
Did You Know?
He is the identical twin brother of former Wallabies hooker Saia Fainga'a.
He and his brother were part of the 'Foreign Legion' of Australian players at the Japanese club Honda Heat in 2014.
After retiring, he became a defensive coach for the Queensland Reds' Super W women's team.
“My job is to stop their best man, no matter the cost.”
