The Queensland Reds have officially announced their squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, featuring promising young talents Trevor King and Will McCulloch from the Australian Under-20s team. The squad includes 19 players with Test experience, among them 18 Wallabies and former All Blacks prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen. Notably, 12 players have made over 50 appearances for the Reds, including co-captain Tate McDermott, who enters the season with 91 Queensland caps.
Among the new signings returning to the team are Wallabies Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Filipo Daugunu. Other fresh recruits like Lachie Anderson, Josh Canham, Matt Gibbon, and Mason Gordon have begun integrating into the squad through the Reds International Program.
In addition to King and McCulloch, Jude Gibbs, a versatile utility player from Sydney’s Northern Suburbs, is also set to make his Reds debut. The International Program has proven beneficial for young players such as Dre Pakeho, who has gained invaluable experience through matches against teams like Wales, Tonga, and Japan’s Panasonic Wild Knights.
Reds head coach Les Kiss emphasized the importance of building depth in the squad for the upcoming season. He remarked on the hard work necessary to succeed in Super Rugby while also expressing his pride in rewarding King and McCulloch for their progress in the Academy.
McCulloch shared his excitement about the opportunity with the Reds, highlighting the motivation gained from observing other Academy graduates succeed. King, after two years as a tighthead prop for the Australian U20s, is eager to contribute to the team’s efforts.
Gibbs, who has long aspired to join a Super Rugby club, is looking forward to the challenge ahead and acknowledges the valuable lessons learned from competing in grand finals. The Reds’ 2025 campaign kicks off against Moana Pasifika on February 21, following pre-season matches in Europe against Bristol and Ulster.
As the Reds prepare for a competitive season, the blend of experienced players and rising stars could bring exciting prospects for both the team and its fans.
This announcement not only showcases the Reds’ commitment to nurturing young talent but also sets a positive tone for the upcoming season. The focus on depth and experience could lead to strong performances in 2025, fostering hope among supporters and setting the stage for a thrilling Super Rugby Pacific competition.
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