11-Test Wallaby Josh Nasser re-signs with Reds and Rugby Australia

11-Test Wallaby Josh Nasser has re-signed with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds on a two-year deal through to the end of 2028, marking another milestone moment for the front-rower who has overcome multiple injury setbacks.

Nasser didn’t play any Super Rugby for the Reds between April 2022 and February 2024, having spent time on the sidelines with pectoral and ankle injuries. The hooker returned for the Reds as an impact player off the bench in a 40-22 win over the NSW Waratahs on February 24, 2024.

With three tries in 15 appearances for the Reds that season, which included a start away to the Fijian Drua in round 13, Nasser did enough to earn higher honours. Nasser was later named to debut for the Wallabies against Warren Gatland’s Wales in Melbourne.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt retained Nasser in the matchday 23 for the national team’s next Test against Georgia in Sydney. The 26-year-old has represented Australia 11 times in the Test arena and made 44 appearances for the Reds since debuting six years ago.

“Queensland is home and there is nowhere I’d rather be at this point of my career with the exciting group we have and the opportunities coming up in the next few years. To be able to stay is a massive privilege,” Nasser said.

“The last two years have been unreal. The development has been massive. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d have 11 Wallabies Tests after a long period out with a bad ankle injury prior to 2024.

“I give credit to the coaches and the people around me for giving me a platform to bounce back. Over the next two years I want to expand on that and keep developing.”

Nasser featured in four matches during the 2024 Rugby Championship, which included a start against the Springboks. The Queenslander last wore Wallaby gold against France during last year’s Autumn Nations Series, scoring a try at Stade de France.

After missing the opening-round loss to the Waratahs in Sydney, Nasser returned to the Reds’ matchday side in their round three win over the Highlanders in Brisbane. Nasser played 49 minutes off the pine in that statement 31-14 triumph at Suncorp Stadium.

Points Flow Chart

Reds win +3

Time in lead

48

Mins in lead

33

56%

% Of Game In Lead

39%

4%

Possession Last 10 min

96%

7

Points Last 10 min

14

Coach Les Kiss promoted Nasser to the run-on side for last weekend’s clash with the ACT Brumbies in the nation’s capital. Carter Gordon produced some match-winning heroics after the siren as the Reds secured a 34-31 win on the road.

“Josh comes from a great rugby family and has developed into a strong and mobile hooker for the Reds and the Wallabies since making his debut for Queensland in 2020 and Australia in 2024,” Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne explained.

“At 26, Josh’s best is still ahead of him and we are pleased he has re-committed to Australian Rugby. With his strong work ethic and skillset, we look forward to his continued evolution at provincial and international level.”

Reds Head Coach Les Kiss added: “It’s great news that Josh has re-committed. He’s part of a group at the Reds who have established something strong.

“He has made massive improvements over the past two or three years and those growth plans continue into the future. His influence in the locker room is also growing on a weekly basis.”