Wallabies lock Josh Canham 'hungry to prove myself' with new deal

Rising second-row force, Josh Canham, has committed his immediate playing future to Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds.

The contract extension runs through to the end of next year, meaning Canham will remain a Queensland local for the coming Rugby World Cup Down Under. The deal follows a two-year commitment Canham made in July 2024, with the 202 cm lock not feeling any need to wait until the conclusion of his current contract to sign an extension.

The 24-year-old has two Wallabies caps to his name and 48 Super Rugby appearances, having begun his professional career in Melbourne with the now-defunct Rebels.

“How impressed I was with the club in my first year at the Reds and my ambition to play at a home Rugby World Cup are the big reasons to my decision,” Canham explained.

“If I left too early with all there is to play for in Australia, I’d never forgive myself.”

Despite Rugby Australia officially dropping Wallabies eligibility laws, Canham rejected advances from French clubs to stay in the Sunshine State.

“The professionalism of the coaches at the Reds, the facilities, a very exciting playing group and an exciting style of footy, I like playing, make the Reds the place I want to be.

“The assistant coaches for the forwards are really able to work on the little things that make a difference, stuff people don’t always see. I’m talking about Choc (Zane Hilton) and Fish (Jonathan Fisher) working on the breakdown, getting the ball away from danger, delivery of the ball from lineouts and stuff like that.

“The players work hard for each other because we are close. It’s not a chore because you are surrounded by mates, guys you catch up with away from rugby.

“There is a lot of opportunity in Australian rugby over these next few years.”

In his first season with the Reds, Canham was the primary lineout option, the most prolific offload threat and second only to newly-named captain Fraser McReight in the team’s total tackle count.

Having won caps against Argentina and Japan in Australia’s competitive second row, Canham is looking to further his Test claim with 20 months to go before the World Cup reaches Australian shores.

“I was very proud to pull on the gold jersey and run out as a starter for the first time in Tokyo,” Canham said.

“I felt I left a lot out there in terms of how much more I can offer because I had to come off early (after a head knock).

“That chance has certainly made me hungry to prove myself and get into that position again.

“Being in that Wallabies environment every day on tour enabled me to work on individual skills and understand the ins and outs of how the Wallabies go about things. I’m definitely going to be pushing for more consistent opportunities.

“It’s a step in the right direction, but you want to keep pushing because it’s not just about making squads.”

Reds head coach Les Kiss is seeing out the final season of his Queensland Reds contract before taking over from Joe Schmidt as Wallabies boss, and was thrilled to have his star lock secured for the foreseeable future.

“It’s fantastic that Josh has extended. There is so much upside in what he offers as a hard, physical player with great lineout skills and being very coachable,” Kiss said.

“He’s ambitious and really wants to play at the highest level, which is reflected in his appetite to work to improve his game.”

Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, added: “Josh is an emerging young player who has had some Test experience and has a bright future ahead of him.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to support him in Australian Rugby and seeing him work hard to further develop his game.”