He hopes those qualities will help the 29-year-old fill the void left by departing Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore when he returns to the Brumbies next year.

Queanbeyan product Fainga'a will return to where his Super Rugby career began a decade ago after signing with the Brumbies for 2017.

Former champion flyhalf Larkham played alongside Fainga'a in 2006 and 2007 before hanging up the boots, and views him as the "perfect fit" to replace Moore.

It isn't the first time the two hookers have effectively had a straight swap. Moore left the Reds to join the Brumbies in 2009, when Fainga'a headed north with his twin brother Anthony.

"They didn't really get an opportunity down here initially and that's why they went up there, but I still reckons Saia's got at least six years left in his career," Larkham said.

"What I remember about him [as a teammate] is exactly how he is now. He's enthusiastic and passionate, his understanding of the game is superb and he will really add to the culture of the team."

"I know he's excited about coming home. I'm keen to get him back here and he's got family down here, this is where it all started for him. His aggression, low tackles and fervour at the breakdown will definitely be of great benefit to us next season."

However, Larkham said Fainga'a can expect solid competition for the No.2 jersey from veteran Josh Mann-Rea, who has been in strong form coming off the bench this year.

"There's going to be good competition, there's no guarantee coming down here he'll get a starting position," Larkham said.

"We've expected high standards from Josh Mann-Rea and he's delivered on those this year."

Fainga'a played 27 games in his first stint as a Brumby, and boasts 36 Wallabies caps.

He looks likely to be stranded on 98 caps for the Reds after being ruled out for two months following foot surgery.

Fainga'a hasn't played for Australia for some time and Larkham, a Wallabies assistant, believes he is capable of working his way back into the fold.

"He's on the fringes there and that's something he's passionate about, to get himself in a position to be selected for the Wallabies again," Larkham said.

"It's something he would dearly love to do. There's still a couple more [players] to lock in, with some of them there's no real hurry. But the bulk of our squad is locked around for next year and it's looking very strong."

Fainga'a said he was pleased to have his future resolved.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Reds but equally am looking forward to returning to where it all began for me over a decade ago," Fainga'a said.

"My focus right now is this season, however, I'm very glad to have my future sorted for next year."