Izaia Perese set for Reds return as squad named for Japan and Italy tour

Queensland Reds coach Vern Cotter has named six capped Wallabies in a 31-man squad to tour Japan and Italy, including experienced recruit Izaia Perese, who will return to the maroon jersey for the first time in almost a decade.

Perese last played for the Reds on June 2, 2018, scoring a try in a defeat to the NSW Waratahs at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. The utility back would later spend time at the Tahs, and enjoying stints abroad with French side Bayonne and Leicester Tigers in PREM Rugby.

The 29-year-old joins another off-season signing, Cadeyrn Neville from the ACT Brumbies, in the group of Wallabies in this Reds squad. Matt Faessler, Aidan Ross, Zone Nonggorr and Tom Lynagh add invaluable experience to the roster as well.

Australia A representatives Tim Ryan, Joe Brial and Lachlan Anderson are set for another overseas tour, having just completed a two-match series in the United States. They have been selected for the four-match Reds tour, which gets underway in Japan.

The Reds will take on partner club Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights this weekend before a full cap game the following week on November 14. Queensland then head to Europe, where they will face an Italy XV on November 20, and round out their tour against Benetton Rugby.

“This tour will be a significant contributor to our ambitions for 2027. The players should be excited. They should be motivated. There is some good rugby to play and some effective habits to keep building,” Cotter said.

“There will be plenty of energy to this squad. There are a lot of emerging players who want to make a mark in this game.”

Sam Cordingley, Reds General Manager, High Performance, added: “One of our consistent aims at the Reds is to provide players with more opportunities to develop in games outside Super Rugby.

“Touring and the international aspect of rugby are a unique offering. We are leaning into that because the squad cohesion you build and experience against different styles of rugby are real positives.

“We have formed wonderful partnerships with the Wild Knights and Benetton Rugby and the tour will benefit all parties.”

Queensland Reds squad for Japan and Italy tour

Forwards
George Blake – Bond University
Nick Bloomfield – Easts
Joe Brial – University of Queensland
Toby Brial – TBC
Charlie Brosnan – Brothers
John Bryant – Souths
Matt Faessler – Brothers
Lachlan Hooper – TBC
Zac Hough – University of Queensland
Trevor King – Souths
Vaiuta Latu – Brothers
Cadeyrn Neville – TBC
Zane Nonggorr – Bond University
Tom Robinson – University of Queensland
Aidan Ross – Bond University
Will Ross – Brothers
Harrison Usher – Bond University
Kingsley Uys – Bond University
Backs
Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland
Mosiah Christian – Norths
Nick Conway – Brothers
Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland
Coby Miln – TBC
Dre Pakeho – Brothers
Izaia Perese – Easts
Treyvon Pritchard – Brothers
Xavier Rubens – Souths
Tim Ryan – Brothers
Cooper Stewart – University of Queensland
Taione Taka – Brothers
Josh Takai – Brothers