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Rugby Australia re-sign Hooper's heir apparent at openside
By AAP
Michael Hooper’s Wallabies heir apparent Fraser McReight will remain in Australian rugby beyond the World Cup.
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The Queensland Reds flanker was off-contract at the end of this season but has agreed to a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Ballymore until at least 2025.
The 24-year-old captained the Australian U20 side at the 2019 world championships but has been limited to 10 Test caps thanks to the resilience and class of former and fellow No.7 Hooper.
But McReight, who will line up against Fijian Drua for the Reds in Brisbane on Sunday, won’t chase a big-money deal overseas after the World Cup in France later this year.
“I love playing for Queensland; it’s my home, so I’m super excited to be able to play here for another two-years,” he said.
“This team has plenty left to achieve and I want to be here when we do.
“I love representing my state and country and that’s my first priority.
“It’s an exciting time in Australian rugby with a new (Test) coach (Eddie Jones), World Cup and Lions tour (in 2025) coming up. I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
Jones has been impressed by McReight’s exploits across the first three rounds of Super Rugby Pacific.
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“Fraser is a player with plenty of potential and to have him re-sign with Australian rugby is outstanding,” the coach said.
“He’s made a good start to the year with Queensland and we’re looking forward to watching him closely throughout the Super Rugby Pacific season.”
