John Bryant among latest Reds re-signings following Benetton stint

Reds Academy graduates John Bryant and Charlie Brosnan have re-signed with the Queensland Rugby Union for another year, inking new deals ahead of the team’s Super Rugby AUS opener against the Western Force.

Bryant and Brosnan have both been named in the starting side ahead of the round one clash at Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium on Saturday. These selections point to the importance of the duo, who both spent last season as full-time squad members.

23-year-old Bryant has played 31 matches in the maroon jersey across three seasons, including a few appearances for the Reds in 2026. The backrower also spent time with Italian side Benetton in the URC, even featuring in the starting side against Edinburgh on October 18.

Back with the Reds in time for the Super season, Bryant played the full 80 as the Queenslanders overcame the Fijian Drua in Lautoka for the first time, before suiting up for Souths in the Hospital Cup later in the year.

Bryant was named in the Queensland Premier Rugby Team of the Week in Round 18, following an impressive performance for the Magpies. Olympic silver medallist Joji Nasova and Western Force flyer Mac Grealy were among the others selected.

“Obviously, I love Queensland. This is where I’ve grown up and playing for my state is still what I strive to do,” Bryant said after re-signing with the QRU.

“I’m very excited to see what Vern (Cotter) brings to our forwards because you learn from every coach along the way.

“I played only three games in Super Rugby Pacific this year but I feel I am progressing with my game and did that with my club, Souths.

“It’s not about changing my game or doing everything on the field but doing what I’m good at really well.

“I really try to get through a lot of work in defence. Being fitter and faster and getting my jackal technique stronger and stronger are things I work at.”

Former Australia U20 representative Brosnan debuted at Super Rugby Pacific level for the Reds on May 16, after being named on the bench ahead of a road trip away to the Force. It was a tough defeat for the visitors, who went down by a handful of points.

Brosnan spent time in Queensland Premier Rugby with Brothers, who went on to win the title with a dominant performance against Wests. The second-rower was watching on as a fan when the Brethren took out the championship in 2023 and has now played a part in more club history.

“It’s unreal to have next year locked in at the Reds,” Brosnan said.

“From these first few weeks under Vern I know you’ll need to be fit, tough and a real master of the small things in your role to play in his sides.

“I’m loving being part of the full-time squad. Lukhan (Salakaia-Loto) and Josh (Canham) are both world-class Test locks. To get tips and tricks from them throughout a season is fantastic.”

Reds coach Vern Cotter added: “They are both hard workers which is the first thing.

“’JB’ is an exciting player. I see him as being very active in defence, someone who carries well and has aggression to his game.

“As with Charlie, there’s that willingness to throw the body around and get off the deck to make repeat efforts. That’s a key thing.”