The Queensland Reds have officially unveiled their Super Rugby Pacific squad for the 2025 season, highlighting a commitment to nurturing emerging talents, including Australian Under-20s stars Trevor King and Will McCulloch.
The roster features a total of 19 Test-cap players, comprising 18 Wallabies and former All Blacks prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen. Among these, twelve players have achieved over 50 appearances for the Reds, with co-captain Tate McDermott leading the way as he enters the 2025 season with 91 Queensland caps under his belt.
Key offseason signings returning to the club include Wallabies Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Filipo Daugunu. New signings such as Lachie Anderson, Josh Canham, Matt Gibbon, and Mason Gordon have already begun integrating into the squad through the Reds International Program.
The addition of King, 19, McCulloch, 20, and 23-year-old Jude Gibbs—who previously played for Sydney’s Northern Suburbs—brings fresh energy to the squad. King and McCulloch have gained valuable experience from international play, having contributed significantly to the Under-20s team. Young centre Dre Pakeho serves as an example of the program’s success, having faced teams like Wales and Tonga, setting the stage for his Super Rugby debut.
Reds head coach Les Kiss expressed optimism about the depth and talent within the squad, stating, “We continue to evolve our squad and increase our depth and options for what will be another challenging Super Rugby Pacific season.” Kiss emphasized the importance of hard work and preparation as the team gears up for the competitive challenges ahead.
Kiss is particularly excited to see King and McCulloch transition from the Buildcorp Reds Academy, a testament to the program’s effectiveness in fostering talent. He noted Gibbs’ versatile capabilities and sought to reward his strong performance in the Shute Shield.
Both McCulloch and King reflected on the tremendous opportunity before them, expressing enthusiasm about joining an established team where they can learn and grow. Gibbs shared his long-held ambition to compete in Super Rugby and acknowledged the valuable lessons learned from his previous experiences.
The Reds will commence their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign against Moana Pasifika on February 21, following pre-season matches in Europe against Bristol and Ulster.
This announcement brings a hopeful prospect for fans as the Reds focus on integrating youth into a competitive environment, promising an exciting season ahead with a blend of experience and fresh talent.
Summary: The Queensland Reds have announced their Super Rugby Pacific squad for 2025, featuring 19 players with Test experience and promising young talents Trevor King and Will McCulloch. Coach Les Kiss emphasizes squad evolution and preparation for challenges ahead, with the team set to kick off its season on February 21 against Moana Pasifika.
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