There was a moment when Wallabies star Filipo Daugunu sensed his time to experience an overseas adventure was nigh, as he contemplated taking his talents to France and exposing himself to a new brand of rugby.
But those visions have been put on the backburner until at least the end of 2027.
Now the 30-year-old outside back hopes to don the gold jumper for this year’s British and Irish Lions series, and contest the World Cup on home soil, signing a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds.
Filipo Daugunu has been lauded as one of the form players of the competition.Credit: AAP
“The baby’s on the way in two months’ time, my wife is happy to stay too and that was one of the reasons for me to stay in Australia,” Daugunu said.
“Brisbane is like home for me, so with the baby on the way, for her to be born here, I’m happy and can’t wait.
“That was one of the reasons for me to stay, for her to be born here and not in France.”
Daugunu’s retention continues a strong week of signings at Ballymore, with forward Joe Brial – who has been filling the void left by the injured Harry Wilson (arm) – signing for 2026.
Daugunu told this masthead before the Super Rugby season launched his decision on where he signed long-term would come down to how highly he was considered in the Wallabies’ fold.
He fought his way back into the Test squad despite the demise of his former club, the Melbourne Rebels, before suffering a fractured leg that ruled him out of the Spring Tour.
A calf injury also hampered Daugunu’s 2025 campaign, yet his damaging ball running and try-scoring prowess – six in nine games – has not wavered, and made him a favourite of Reds coach Les Kiss, who will next coach the Wallabies.
Part of the Kiss philosophy is for his players to trust their ability and instincts, with Daugunu the latest to exploit that trust – his final-minute chip kick for Lachlan Anderson to score the match-winner against the Waratahs an example of that belief.
Daugunu is in line to feature in the Lions series.Credit: Getty Images
While Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii loom as the biggest contenders for the No.13 jumper, a spot on the wing for the Lions tour could be Daugunu’s, with Kiss in his corner.
“For me as a player, I’ve learned a lot from him – he’s a great coach, and for him to be picked as Wallabies coach, hopefully I will be under him again,” Daugunu said, in the lead-up to Friday night’s clash with the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium.
“He’s about being who you are, if you see things just do it and believe in yourself.
“I haven’t heard from [present Wallabies coach] Joe Schmidt for a while, but for me, I just need to keep performing every week and stay away from injury and help the team win.
“The Lions is a tour that happens only once every 12 years. It’s part of my focus. It would be special.”
