The Queensland Reds have officially unveiled their Super Rugby Pacific squad for the upcoming 2025 season, featuring promising talents from the Australian Under-20s, notably Trevor King and Will McCulloch. This squad includes 19 players with prior Test experience, consisting of 18 Wallabies along with Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, a former All Blacks prop.
Among the established players, Tate McDermott has logged an impressive 91 caps for Queensland and is joined by two returning Wallabies, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Filipo Daugunu. Several new signings, including Lachie Anderson, Josh Canham, Matt Gibbon, and Mason Gordon, have already begun their journey with the Reds through the team’s International Program.
The squad also sees the addition of young prospects like King, 19, McCulloch, 20, and Jude Gibbs, 23, who joins the Reds from Sydney’s Northern Suburbs club. Despite not having debuted yet, these new additions have gained valuable experience through their participation in competitive matches. Dre Pakeho, another young talent, is expected to make a strong impact after facing elite teams like Wales and Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights over recent months.
Reds head coach Les Kiss expressed enthusiasm for the evolving squad and emphasized the importance of hard work as they prepare for the challenges of the Super Rugby Pacific season. He highlighted the successful alignment with the Academy, which has allowed young players to transition into the professional ranks.
McCulloch expressed his excitement about the opportunity and cited the Reds’ fast-paced playing style as a primary motivator. King, who has already played two years at tighthead prop for the Australian U20s, is ready to prove himself at the senior level. Meanwhile, Gibbs is eager to fulfill his long-standing ambition of competing in Super Rugby and is prepared for what lies ahead.
The Reds will kick off their 2025 Super Rugby campaign against Moana Pasifika on February 21, following an opening bye week and pre-season matches in Europe against Bristol and Ulster.
This squad announcement signals a bright future for the Queensland Reds, blending experienced players and emerging talent, creating a dynamic team ready to take on the competitive landscape of Super Rugby Pacific.
By fostering young talent alongside seasoned players, the Reds are setting themselves up for success. The upcoming season holds promising potential for both the team and the fans as they embark on this new chapter.
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