Australia U20 captain re-signs with Reds on multi-year deal

Australia Under-20s captain Tom Robinson hasn’t debuted at Super Rugby Pacific level yet, but the backrower has already been tipped for a bright future ahead with the Queensland Reds after signing a new two-year deal.

Robinson donned Queensland maroon for the first time against Tonga in Nuku’alofa last year and is now a fully-fledged member of the squad, which is currently one match into a four-game tour of Japan and Italy.

The 20-year-old played 40 minutes in a non-cap match against Japan Rugby League One giants Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights last weekend. Those two sides will face off again on Saturday, with the annual Saitama Queensland Shield on the line.

Robinson was named the Australia U20 captain on June 11, as the age-grade side looked ahead to the World Rugby Junior World Championships in Georgia. The skipper started at openside flanker, including a try-scoring performance in a commanding 90-22 win over Spain.

Coach Vern Cotter included Robinson in the club’s Super Rugby AUS squad, and has included the University of Queensland talent in the mix for the international tour. As the Reds prepare for the Shield clash, the Queensland Rugby Union announced the new deal on Wednesday.

“I’m really excited to re-sign with the Reds. It’s everything I wanted and I’m very happy being around Ballymore,” Robinson said.

“This year, being involved, with and against, some of the best players in Australia on a daily basis at Reds training has been huge for me.

“Again, it is that step up. You continually have work-ons like improving at the defensive breakdown to disrupt and slow the opposition like Fraser (McReight) does so well.”

John Bryant was unveiled last week as Queensland’s captain for the opening match on tour, with two games to be played in Italy as well. The Reds will face Benetton Rugby and an Italy XV before returning home to Australia in a few weeks’ time.

Australia A skipper Matt Faessler is in the mix, with the Reds squad boasting a blend of experience and potential. Robinson joined captain Bryant and No 8 Vaiuta Latu in the loose forwards to play the Wild Knights, with all three making their mark in maroon.

“Tom has an excellent work ethic and skills to play more than one position in the backrow,” coach Cotter added.

“This tour is an ideal way to keep advancing his good habits and build his experience for the role he will play over the next two years.”