Wallabies star Lukhan Salakaia-Loto says the allure of the Rugby World Cup on home soil was not the decisive factor in his decision to extend his time in Australia.
The Queensland Reds lock announced a three-year deal to remain at Ballymore on Tuesday, securing his services beyond the 2027 international showcase having just returned to Brisbane after stints with Northampton Saints and the Melbourne Rebels.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has re-signed with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia until the end of 2028.Credit: Reds Media
Salakaia-Loto faces a battle to retain his spot in the gold jumper, with clubmates Josh Canham, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru and Ryan Smith some of the contenders.
But the length of the deal, as Rugby Australia faces a retention conundrum with a host of stars off contract, speaks to his regard.
The 28-year-old revealed there was more at play than featuring in the World Cup.
“We had conversations right up to the end, and I was lucky enough to come to an agreement with the Reds and Rugby Australia. France was the one I was considering, but there’s nothing like home,” Salakaia-Loto said.
“I think it’s in both parties’ best interests I’m able to continue my career here and offer my best rugby to both the Reds and, hopefully, the Wallabies. With what’s to come, the Lions and home World Cup, it’s pretty hard to turn that down.
“As much as it [the World Cup] is a big carrot, I wouldn’t say it was the reason I stayed. We’ve moved a lot in the past couple of years, so looking after my family and making sure they were settled was definitely up there.
“[But] you only get to enjoy and live those moments once in a lifetime, so I’d be shooting myself in the foot if I were to head overseas.
“I’ve already left this place, and when I did leave I found I was keeping tabs on the Reds. To come back here for one year I didn’t think was the right thing to do – I didn’t want to leave again and look back at what could have been.”
Salakaia-Loto suffered a leg injury in the preseason which would keep him sidelined from the 2025 Super Rugby campaign for about three or four weeks.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto on the charge for the Wallabies.Credit: Getty
It means he will miss the Reds clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch on Sunday, with the club flying directly to New Zealand from Perth after conquering the Western Force 28-24.
They will also be missing outside centre Josh Flook, who suffered a hamstring injury after scoring twice and making two linebreaks.
It means the Reds will be without both first-choice centres, as Hunter Paisami continues to serve a suspension, but Salakaia-Loto backed the side to replicate last year’s feats across the ditch, which delivered a first away win against the Crusaders in 25 years.
“We’ve got a lot of guys coming through who are ready to step up, but in saying that, I think Flooky is one of the most underrated players in the competition,” Salakaia-Loto said.
“He’s someone who has a massive future in Australian rugby. I’m gutted for him, but hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”
