The Wallabies hierarchy has secured the nucleus of their forward pack, but still have two major puzzles to solve.
And Queensland Reds chief executive David Hanham said on Thursday the game was in a strong position to retain one of the nation’s most influential players.
On the same day Test hooker Matt Faessler inked a two-year extension to remain in Australia, Brumbies star Nick Frost signed for the same length, taking the pair through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Fraser McReight looms as the most pressing priority retention for Australian Rugby.Credit: Getty Images
They join national captain Harry Wilson and locks Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeremy Williams in extending their contracts this year, while halfback Tate McDermott, Rob Valetini, Angus Bell, Allan Alaalatoa and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are confirmed 2027 signings.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Dylan Pietsch were reported to have signed “long-term” and “multi-year” deals respectively in 2024.
But in standout Queensland flanker Fraser McReight, Rugby Australia faces a fight, with reports emerging of several Japanese outfits plotting to lure the 25-Test No.7 overseas with lucrative offers.
However, speaking as Bank of Queensland was unveiled as the Reds’ new partner, Hanham said he thought the 26-year-old would stick around until the 2027 World Cup, with the British and Irish Lions tour also looming this year.
“I think Fraser’s been pretty clear that he wants to stay here. He loves Queensland, loves the Reds, loves playing with Harry [Wilson], he loves playing for the Wallabies,” Hanham said.
“You’ve got three of the best years ahead of us, so I think if things can get sorted out the way we all would like he’s got a long career here, and he’s been clear on that as well.”
Upon announcing his contract extension with the Reds and Rugby Australia, Faessler hinted a decision on McReight’s future was imminent, and implored his teammate to ensure he remained a focal point of the country’s long-term ambitions.
Matt Faessler has re-signed with the Reds and Rugby Australia until the end of 2027.Credit: Getty Images
While the 26-year-old refused to weigh in on whether overseas offers came his way – answering “I’ll let that one go through to the keeper” when asked – he said his decision to remain at Ballymore was a simple one.
“We’ll see what Fraser’s decision is over the next couple of days. I’m sure you guys will be made aware when that occurs, but it’d be awesome to see him stay,” Faessler said.
“I think we’re building a nice crew that’s staying together who have played a lot of games together here in Queensland.
“Queensland’s home for me. I grew up supporting the team and was born and raised here, so it was a pretty straightforward decision for me.”
The future of McReight and other off contract Wallabies – including five-eighth Noah Lolesio, fullback Tom Wright and prop Taniela Tupou – may hinge on who takes over Joe Schmidt as Wallabies’ head coach at the end of the year.
Queensland coach Les Kiss, who served as Schmidt’s assistant with Ireland, is thought to be a frontrunner for the job, despite being contracted at the Reds until the end of 2026.
His forthcoming Waratahs rival Dan McKellar and Brumbies mentor Stephen Larkham are also hotly in the race.
When asked if he was prepared to lose Kiss, Hanham said he was unwilling to speculate on who Schmidt’s successor may be, but believed the club would know in the coming weeks.
“Les has been open about the process and what’s going on, and for me, it shows we’ve got a great coach,” Hanham said.
“Let’s let that run, but from my perspective I know we’ve got a world-class coach, so if Les has those aspirations those things can take their course over the next two or three weeks.”
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