The Queensland Reds have officially revealed their Super Rugby Pacific squad for the upcoming 2025 season, featuring emerging talents from the Australian Under-20s, Trevor King and Will McCulloch. This squad is a testament to the Reds’ commitment to nurturing new talent, blending the skills of seasoned players with those of promising newcomers.
The roster includes 19 players with Test experience, comprising 18 Wallabies along with former All Blacks prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen. Notably, twelve of these players have over 50 caps for the Reds, including co-captain Tate McDermott, who is set to begin the season with 91 Queensland caps. The squad also sees the return of experienced Wallabies, lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and outside back Filipo Daugunu, who both have joined as off-season signings.
King, 19, McCulloch, 20, and Jude Gibbs, a 23-year-old utility back from Sydney’s Northern Suburbs club, are among the fresh faces seeking to make their debuts for the Reds. Additionally, the value of the Reds International Program is reflected in teenage centre Dre Pakeho, who has gained valuable experience over the past months despite not yet playing in Super Rugby.
Reds head coach Les Kiss expressed enthusiasm about the squad’s potential, emphasizing the team’s focus on evolving and deepening their options in anticipation of a challenging season. He expressed pride in bringing up talents like King and McCulloch from the Buildcorp Reds Academy, showcasing the successful alignment between the program and the Reds.
Both McCulloch and King are eager to seize the opportunity within the team, highlighting their excitement to step up following successful performances at the U20 level. Gibbs looks forward to fulfilling his long-held ambition of playing in Super Rugby while valuing the lessons learned from his experiences in the Shute Shield competition.
The Reds kick off their Super Rugby Pacific campaign against Moana Pasifika on February 21, 2025, looking to start strong after a bye in the opening round and pre-season clashes against Bristol and Ulster.
This announcement brings hope for the Reds as they blend youth with experience in their quest for success in the upcoming season. The integration of fresh talent signals a promising future and an exciting journey ahead in Super Rugby Pacific.
In summary, the squad’s composition not only reflects the Reds’ emphasis on development but also their ambition to compete at a high level. With seasoned players as mentors, the young athletes are set to embark on a transformative journey that could elevate their game and contribute positively to the Reds’ legacy in rugby.
Leave a comment