Even as the pain of watching premiership glory slip through his fingers lingered, Aidan Ross was casting his eye towards the next phase of career.
A phase which, perhaps unexpectedly, has the potential to shape the Wallabies’ future, and deliver the gold jumper back to the top of the world rugby podium.
“It’s been a quick transition, but sometimes that’s the best way to do it,” Ross said, who arrived at the Queensland Reds after playing in the Chiefs’ Super Rugby Pacific grand final defeat to the Crusaders.
Aidan Ross has arrived at the Queensland Reds.Credit: Reds Media
“To be fair, I’m pretty used to the disappointment – I’ve been in a couple of finals now – but when one door closes, another one opens.”
Ross, who in 2022 took on Ireland for the All Blacks, will unite at Ballymore with the re-signed Jeffery Toomaga-Allen , while fellow Kiwi Alex Hodgman is understood to be holding off on contract extension talks as he overcomes a shoulder concern.
They form a trio of former Test props with the goal of transforming Queensland’s front-row prospects from emerging talents to bona fide stars – among them Massimo De Lutiis, Nick Bloomfield and Trevor King.
“We touched on it a little bit, but we’re still at the same time trying to get the best out of me and what I can deliver to the club on the field,” Ross said.
“But I do get a sense of joy passing down knowledge to the next front rowers coming through, and the clubs got some lads in that boat.”
While Allan Alaalatoa has been in arguably career-best form for the Brumbies, James Slipper is approaching the end of his career, the form inconsistencies of the off contract Taniela Tupou have been well documented, and Angus Bell has suffered an injury-interrupted career.
The lack of extensive prop depth has thrust Sydney-born Ross into the Wallabies’ frame for the British and Irish Lions tour, who will be eligible for selection before the first Test on July 19 when three years have elapsed since his All Blacks cap.
“To be fair, it’s not really in my head, I haven’t really been thinking about it too much,” Ross, who will be available for selection when the Reds take on the Lions on Wednesday, said.
“All my focus is just trying to prepare well if I’m selected for next Wednesday night. If it arose it’d be awesome, I was born here and … part of what attracted me here was I see me and my family staying here post-rugby.
“There’s been no chat there [with the Wallabies] or no comms, I’ve just been doing my thing. They have got awesome looseheads and tightheads playing for them right now, so I think they’re really strong in that area.”
Of Australia’s six prop contenders for Sunday week’s clash with Fiji, only Zane Nonggorr (24) and Bell (24) are under 28, as Australia cast an eye to who will take charge of the scrum come the 2027 Rugby World Cup and beyond.
How the next generation are mentored will determine whether the nation can reclaim its place among the game’s upper echelon, given the strength of rival scrums on show in the last Rugby Championship and ill-fated 2023 World Cup.
Current Reds coach Les Kiss, who will lead the Wallabies after the club’s 2026 Super Rugby season, lauded the influence Toomaga-Allen had on the emerging contingent, with De Lutiis already gaining exposure to Test camps before suffering a wrist injury.
It is a role Toomaga-Allen has relished, as the Reds went from a 79 per cent scrum win rate in 2024, to 96 per cent in 2025.
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen will remain a Red in 2026.Credit: Michael Bradley
“Being an elder man of the club – not that they need me – but I feel like it’s always good to have that experience around the club,” Toomaga-Allen said.
“I see how important it is, whether I play or not, It’s really important to get that camaraderie and family-type vibe, while imparting knowledge and wisdom where I can.
“The best way I can make them better is by bringing my best every week, and making sure I keep them honest, make sure I have those hard conversations when they need to happen, or have my arm on their shoulder as well.”
