Australia U20 fly-half turns down another club's offer to re-sign with Reds

Australia Under-20s playmaker Finn Mackay has knocked back an offer from another Super Rugby Pacific club to stay in the Sunshine State, re-signing with the Queensland Reds on a two-year deal through 2028.

Mackay touched down for two tries in as many matches for the age-grade Australian side during the recent U20 Rugby Championship in South Africa. The fly-half has just been named in a strong squad for the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia from June 27 to July 18.

The Queensland pathway product enjoyed a stellar debut for the Reds last October against Japan Rugby League One powerhouse the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, before getting a chance to play Super Rugby for the first time as an 18-year-old.

Coach Les Kiss selected Mackay on the bench for the season opener away to the NSW Waratahs on February 13, playing 13 minutes off the bench at Allianz Stadium. Mackay has only just turned 19 but has already shown immense promise as a Reds prospect.

“I got a lot out of training with the Reds’ top squad this season. That’s being able to learn from the inside knowledge and tips from the club’s international flyhalves and backs,” Mackay said.

“I’ve taken advice and lessons into my game to make me better.

“Brisbane is my home town. When you are comfortable and having fun, you are playing your best footy.

“I was given an opportunity against the Wild Knights and in Super Rugby Pacific quicker than I ever expected. I’ve felt the trust from Les Kiss and the other coaches at the Reds from the start.

“Les always talks about ‘Closing The Gap’ in terms of the Reds Academy boys and squad members lifting their levels closer to the Reds team.

“I see guys putting their hands up because of that and the building of competition between the younger guys as well as the senior players.

“The club is in a good place. I see guys of my age group and the experiences we’ve had together already at U16s, U18s and Next Gen and feel we are going to have an excellent group come through to play in the big boys’ league.”

Mackay got a chance to represent Queensland against the Wild Knights last year, playing a part in a handful of tries in the 59-19 win. The teenager recorded a few try assists with an impactful passing game and played a role in another two scores courtesy of the boot.

That performance led to a full-cap debut against the same opposition the following week, with Mackay becoming Reds representative number 1424. Mackay has also impressed for club side Souths and has already been among the standouts for the 2026 Australian Under-20s side.

Mackay started for the Aussie outfit against the New Zealand Under-20s on May 27, finishing with a nine-point haul after playing the full 80. The pivot backed that up with a try against hosts South Africa Under-20s the following week.

“Finn has been part of the Reds program since he was 15 and we’re incredibly proud of the progress he has made,” Sam Cordingley, Reds General Manager High-Performance, explained.

“He has stepped up to every opportunity presented to him, which is a real credit to his application and belief. Despite a lot of interest elsewhere, Finn has chosen to back himself against two Wallaby 10s at the Reds, which speaks to his intent.

“We look forward to seeing him continue to develop over the next few years.”