Reds secure Xavier Rubens deal as Wild Knights offer training opportunity

The Queensland Reds have re-signed Australia U20 prospect Xavier Rubens to a slightly different new deal, allowing the outside back to take up a ten-week opportunity with the Saitama Wild Knights.

The Wild Knights, who are a Queensland Reds club partner, will have Rubens on loan until November.

During that time, the Australian will play and train with the Japan Rugby League One side, before returning to the Reds to prepare for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Reds will then take on the Wild Knights twice to prepare for their upcoming season, before travelling to Treviso to play an Italy XV (November 20) and Benetton Rugby (November 27).

The young outside-back said the deal is perfect, allowing him to gain valuable experience.

“I’m as excited as I can be for a new experience in rugby,” Rubens said.

“Locking in my future for 2027 is great and the Reds’ creating cool chances like this in Japan is definitely something you don’t get at other clubs.

“I jumped at the chance in Japan. Rugby comes first with developing my skills but I also want to experience a different culture and view on rugby.”

“I play outside centre at club but you keep all doors open so I work hard at wing as well. I try to hold myself to a high standard. There’s a level I need to play at for the Reds and I try to bring that to Souths [Sumo Energy Hospital Cup],” Rubens said in a Rugby Australia media release.

“Training all season at the Reds with Wallabies centres like Josh Flook and Isaac Henry has really helped show me the stamp I need to make on a position.”

Reds General Manager of High Performance Sam Cordingley said Rubens’ deal is a “unique opportunity”.

“Xavier has certainly earned this opportunity in Japan. He has been a standout back in club rugby this season and he has also stepped up to every opportunity he has had with the Reds,” Cordingley explained.

“It’s a unique opportunity for Xavier to experience the Wild Knights’ program as part of his deal. I’d like to thank our partner club for this support.”