Rising star Harry McLaughlin-Phillips among five farewelled by Reds

Rising star Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is set for a new chapter elsewhere after the Queensland Reds confirmed the departure of five players, with that group boasting more than 170 games for the club between them.

The Reds have thanked former All Blacks prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, hooker Richie Asiata, halfback Louis Werchon, outside back Jeremaia Murray and McLaughlin-Phillips for their efforts over the years at Ballymore.

McLaughlin-Phillips is coming off a career-best Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the Reds, with the fly-half starting in six of 11 appearances. The 22-year-old wore the No. 10 jersey for the first time at Suncorp Stadium when the Reds faced the ACT Brumbies on May 2.

There had been a lot of discussion during pre-season about the makeup of the Reds squad, with fans and pundits expecting a fierce battle for the No. 10 jersey. Wallabies Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh were in the mix, as was Flying Fijians playmaker Ben Volavola.

After playing for the Reds against the British & Irish Lions last July, and suiting up for the AUNZ Invitational XV and later Australia A in 2025, McLaughlin-Phillips was able to build on that experience with regular playing time this year.

“That win over the Chiefs and the success the team had against the Drua in Fiji this year were two highlights for sure,” the 22-year-old reflected.

“I feel I was encouraged and learnt a lot from the coaches all through my time at the Reds. I’ve grown as a player and as a man. Being able to train and learn with international flyhalves around you at Ballymore was a big plus.

“I think the whole pathway system at the Reds is really well structured. I came through the Reds Academy with an excellent preparation with guys like Tim Ryan, John Bryant and Harrison Usher. The connections you build carry through into the Reds squad.”

Toomaga-Allen wore the Queensland jersey 43 times across three seasons, including 13 games for the Reds in 2026. The front-rower reached the 150-game Super Rugby milestone this season, which follows a decorated stint with the Hurricanes.

Playing against the British & Irish Lions stands out to Toomaga-Allen, as does wins over the Crusaders in Christchurch in 2024 and away to the Fijian Drua this year. The capped All Black remains confident the Reds can continue to improve moving forward.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time at the Reds,” Toomaga-Allen said.

“I became a Queenslander. I’m a sucker for family so I cherish how the Reds really involved my wife and kids. I think my young boy Spencer probably got carried away and signed too many autographs of his own.

“There are great building blocks for success with the number of 50 and 100-cap players in the squad and the culture that keeps building.”

Asiata played 54 matches for the Reds over six seasons, including seven appearances during the 2026 campaign. The 30-year-old scored a try in a famous win away to the Fijian Drua in round six and touched down again against the same opponent in round 16.

The Reds have confirmed Murray is returning to New Zealand, having made 13 appearances for the Queensland outfit over two years. An incredible try against the NSW Waratahs last season stands out from the outside back’s time at the club.

Another significant departure from the Reds is Werchon, who is coming off a breakout season with the Reds. Werchon was a regular member of the matchday 23 with Wallabies scrum-half Tate McDermott on the sidelines.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of pulling on the Reds jersey. Personally, I feel I have improved heaps in the set-up they have at the Reds,” Werchon said.

“A coach like (backs and defence coach) Brad Davis kept my focus on track. He was tough but fair.”