Another Wallaby signs fresh deal through to 2027 Rugby World Cup

Filipo Daugunu is the latest Wallaby to re-commit to Australian rugby through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil, putting pen to paper on a new deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds until the end of 2027.

Rugby Australia announced last week that Wallabies fullback Tom Wright has inked a new deal until 2028. Others like Jake Gordon, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Matt Faessler have also signed extensions.

Daugunu starred as the Wallabies kicked off their new era under coach Joe Schmidt with a bang last July, with the winger scoring three tries in two wins over Wales. Schmidt selected Daugunu on the wing against Georgia and South Africa too, but that’s when disaster struck.

After leaving the field 25 minutes into the Test against the Springboks, it was later revealed that Daugunu had fractured his fibula at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. The 11-Test Wallaby played no further part in the 2024 international season, but a new year presents new possibilities.

Daugunu has been brilliant for the Reds, having returned to the club ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, and appears to be in the frame for national selection ahead of the Lions Series and beyond.

“I’m happy and blessed. It’s great to stay in Brisbane with the Reds for two more years. I always say it’s home for me because it’s where professional rugby started for me,” Daugunu said in a statement.

“I’d love to be involved in the British & Irish Lions Series with the Wallabies, but the most important thing is to play well for the Reds and get the two wins at home heading into finals and hopefully that puts me in a good position.

“The Lions is a tour that happens only once every 12 years, so it’s a series you want to be involved in. It’s part of my focus. It would be special.”

Daugunu has started three matches on the left wing for the Reds this season, with coach Les Kiss selecting the utility at outside centre six times in nine appearances. After starting the season with three tries in as many games, Daugunu has since scored another three.

Playing the Western Force at Perth’s HBF Park in round three, Daugunu was the hero for the Reds, scoring a last-gasp try to win that match. It was the same story away to the Highlanders in round six, having crossed for a double at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.

“Filipo has been in great form for Queensland during this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season and we’re pleased he has re-committed to Australian Rugby for a further two years,” Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, explained.

“His versatility is a real positive in his game and we’re looking forward to continuing to watch him work hard with the Reds.”

Reds coach Kiss added: “Filipo is an outstanding person in our locker room. On top of the versatility and presence he has brought to the backline this year, his experience is highly valued.”