Landmark deal between Reds and Benetton results in permanent deal

Benetton have signed Reds scrum-half Louis Werchon on a two-year deal ahead of next season.

The 23-year-old was part of a quartet of Reds players who joined Benetton at the beginning of the season on short-term deals until December in a landmark agreement between the two clubs.

He has now returned to Australia ahead of the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, but will then go back to Italy until 2028 following a successful spell in the United Rugby Championship.

The former Australia U20 international played seven times for Benetton, scoring one try, with the club sitting in eighth place in the league currently.

“My time in Treviso was truly special for me,” said Werchon. “The lifestyle, the food, and especially my team-mates were incredibly important: the guys made me feel at home straight away and made the decision to return a natural one.

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“The Reds will always be an important part of my career, and I consider them my home, but the chance to play again in front of the fans at the Stadio Monigo is something that really excites me. I can’t wait to wear the green jersey again, give my all at every opportunity, and play as many games as possible, contributing to the team’s success.”

President Antonio Pavanello added: “The return of Louis Werchon represents a highly valuable acquisition for us from a technical perspective.

“In recent months, he has clearly demonstrated his qualities as a scrum-half: quick execution, great precision in managing the game, and an excellent reading of situations. Louis is a number 9 capable of bringing great pace and continuity to the game, organising the game and putting his teammates in the best possible conditions to express themselves.

“He has also demonstrated notable tactical maturity, combined with personality and reliability, essential elements in such a central role. His permanent addition strengthens our technical project and allows us to add quality and balance to the squad for the coming seasons.

“We thank the Queensland Reds for their collaboration and willingness to help: the operation was developed in a climate of great professionalism and represents a virtuous example of cooperation between clubs at an international level.”