The Queensland Reds have officially announced their squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, featuring promising young Australian Under-20 talents Trevor King and Will McCulloch. The squad includes 19 players with international experience, comprising 18 Wallabies and former All Blacks prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen. Notably, twelve players have achieved over 50 caps with the Reds, notably co-captain Tate McDermott, who will start the 2025 season with 91 caps.
Among the returning players are lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and outside back Filipo Daugunu, both Wallabies rejoining the team in the off-season. The squad also welcomes several new signings, including Lachie Anderson, Josh Canham, Matt Gibbon, and Mason Gordon, who have already begun participating in matches as part of the Reds International Program.
King, 19, and McCulloch, 20, are joined by Jude Gibbs, a 23-year-old utility back from Sydney’s Northern Suburbs club, as the only new faces who have yet to make their debuts for the Reds. The Reds International Program has been pivotal for young player development, exemplified by centre Dre Pakeho, who, despite not yet playing in Super Rugby Pacific, gained valuable experience against formidable international teams like Wales and Japan.
Reds head coach Les Kiss expressed enthusiasm for the squad’s evolution, noting their commitment to hard work in preparation for a challenging season ahead. He emphasized the close alignment of the Reds with their Academy, stating that recent Academy players, like Pakeho, have successfully transitioned to the main squad.
Kiss highlighted Gibbs’ promising versatility and impressive track record in the Shute Shield competition. McCulloch, who recently shone for the Australian U20s, expressed excitement about the opportunity to join the Reds, eager to contribute to their fast-paced and exciting playing style.
King, a two-year veteran with the Australian U20s, has recently showcased his skills with the Queensland U19s. Gibbs shared his long-standing aspiration to join a Super Rugby team, recognizing the importance of performance in critical moments gained from his previous experience.
The Reds will kick off their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign against Moana Pasifika on February 21. This match follows an opening round bye and pre-season games in Europe against Bristol and Ulster.
With a strong blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, the Queensland Reds appear well-positioned for an exciting season ahead, nurturing the next generation while maintaining a competitive edge on the field. This renewal of talent not only promises to enhance the team’s performance but also ensures the legacy of Australian rugby continues to thrive.
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