Six-Test Wallaby secures Super Rugby return with Queensland Reds

The Queensland Reds have secured the signing of six-Test Wallabies outside back Izaia Perese through to the end of the 2028 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Vern Cotter-coached side will gain the veteran’s services at the same club he made his professional debut at, back in 2017, where he played 17 games across two seasons.

Perese then made his Wallabies debut against Scotland back in 2021, going on to make five more appearances in the green-and-gold.

The outside back has played for Bayonne in the French Top 14, the Waratahs, and most recently, for the Leicester Tigers.

“I thought my journey was overseas and that was going to be me for the rest of my career. In Australia, in Queensland, is where I want to be and excited is an understatement,” Perese told the Reds.

“It’s an exciting time for rugby in Australia as a whole. The Rugby World Cup next year is obviously a goal but what comes first is playing good rugby here at the Reds.

“Playing for your country is the pinnacle. All I can do to get back there is solely going to come from doing my job to the best of my ability for Queensland.”

“Queensland is home for me and my family. I spent two years at Leicester and it was quite challenging as a young family to have no support. I’m home and now having a support network around us is a huge factor as to why I chose the Reds,” Perese said.

“Second of all, it’s the cattle we’ve got at the Reds. Ballymore and the training facilities are unreal because the place has changed so much since I was first here. I think next year is a good year to challenge for trophies.”

“I’m not going to go away from my strengths but going to the UK definitely made me a more rounded player who understands the game a lot more,” Perese said.

“Defence, kick chase, more games under the belt in different environments…they are some of the little things. You can expect more.”

Reds General Manager and High Performance, Sam Cordingley, explained that the Queensland Rugby Union is excited to have Perese back in the Queensland Reds side.

“It’s great to welcome Izzy back to the Reds. He brings a wealth of experience from his time in the French Top 14 and English Premiership so he’ll be a great addition to our squad over the next few years,” Cordingley said.

Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance Peter Horne echoed Cordingley’s thoughts.

“We are pleased to welcome Izaia back to Australian Rugby at a pivotal time for the game.

“He is a powerful athlete who is experienced and motivated to contribute to Queensland and the wider Australian system.

“His signing reflects our focus on strengthening our depth and ensuring our best athletes are playing their rugby here in Australia.”