Wallabies back-row Harry Wilson to stay in Australia

Declaring he never explored other options, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has signed a new four-year deal that will keep him in Australian rugby through 2029.

Wilson rewarded coach Joe Schmidt’s trust as he led the Wallabies in seven of their last eight Tests and now he has the 2027 home World Cup firmly in his sights.

The 25-year-old No.8 will also remain with the Queensland Reds for the length of his new deal.

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“This is the only place I wanted to be. I want to give the best years of my rugby career to being part of success in the Reds and the gold jersey,” Wilson said.

“Being part of a home World Cup is something you dream about.

“I didn’t speak to another club. I didn’t want to be a Wallabies captain shopping himself around the world,” Wilson added.

“I’m the current Wallabies captain. Who am I to tell others to stay in Australia if I’m not signed, sealed and delivered myself.

“I’m delighted. There’s no background noise entering the season. I can just play footy and it doesn’t get much better than a Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.

“My manager said he’d get the deal done before the Reds’ first game and he has. It’s going to be a beauty against Moana Pasifika on Friday night.”

Wilson has 22 Test caps, having struggled to cement his spot in the Wallabies side since his debut in 2020 until getting an extended run under Schmidt.

He played the full 80 minutes in nine of his 10 Tests last year, including every match of The Rugby Championship.

Reds coach Les Kiss was delighted with Wilson’s decision.

“It’s a great vote of confidence in our Reds program from Harry. What a guy to have as a mentor of our young forwards,” Kiss said.

“He’s a natural leader. The difference he makes in the locker room is palpable. This news will be welcomed by fans, stakeholders and the whole locker room.”