The Queensland Reds have unveiled their Super Rugby Pacific squad for the 2025 season, showcasing a mix of experienced players and promising young talents. Among the squad are rising stars Trevor King and Will McCulloch, both of whom have excelled in the Australian Under-20s ranks.
The squad includes 19 players who boast Test experience, featuring 18 Wallabies and renowned former All Blacks prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen. A significant aspect of the team is the presence of 12 players with over 50 caps for the Reds, including 2024 co-captain Tate McDermott, who is poised to begin the 2025 season with 91 caps.
Notable additions to the lineup are familiar faces returning to the Reds, such as lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and outside back Filipo Daugunu. New signings like Lachie Anderson, Josh Canham, Matt Gibbon, and Mason Gordon have already begun integrating into the team through participation in the Reds International Program.
In the squad, King at 19 and McCulloch at 20, along with Jude Gibbs, a 23-year-old utility back, have yet to make their debut for the Reds. The value of the Reds International Program is evident in the progress of young centre Dre Pakeho, who, although he has not yet played in Super Rugby Pacific, has gained invaluable experience playing against teams from Wales, Tonga, and Japan.
Reds head coach Les Kiss expressed confidence in the squad’s potential, emphasizing the importance of hard work and preparation ahead of a competitive Super Rugby Pacific season. He highlighted the successful collaboration with the Academy and the significant opportunities it presents for young players like King and McCulloch to develop their skills further.
Both McCulloch and King expressed excitement over their selection. McCulloch reflected on the motivation provided by recent Academy graduates, while King is transitioning from his Australian U20s tenure, ready to make an impact.
Gibbs, who has long aspired to join a Super Rugby club, shares that joining the Reds is the culmination of years of hard work and preparation, ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
The Reds will launch their 2025 season against Moana Pasifika on February 21. Before that, they will prepare through pre-season matches in Europe against Bristol and Ulster.
The announcement of the squad not only highlights the Reds’ commitment to nurturing young talent but also paints an optimistic picture for their upcoming season. With a blend of experience and energy, fans can look forward to an exciting campaign that fosters growth and showcases the next generation of rugby talent in Australia.
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