Wallaby Filipo Daugunu returns to Reds after stint with Rebels

The Queensland Reds have announced their second off-season signing of the week after revealing that Wallabies utility Filipo Daugunu will return to the club on a one-year deal.

Daugunu played 69 Super Rugby games over a six year span with the Reds before moving south to pursue an opportunity with the Melbourne Rebels in 2024. The 29-year-old started 12 matches at outside centre and one on the wing during a promising individual campaign.

After some time away from the national team, the seven-Test Wallaby has been rewarded for a strong season with the Melburnians by Australia coach Joe Schmidt. Schmidt included Daugunu in the Wallabies’ 38-man squad ahead of their July internationals.

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But before those Tests get underway when the Wallabies host Warren Gatland’s Wales in Sydney next weekend, Daugunu has locked in his playing plans for the next season after penning a deal to return to Ballymore.

“Queensland is home for me. It’s where it all started,” Daugunu said in a statement. “For me to come back, I’m honoured to be here. There will be a lot of familiar faces. I’m happy.”

When Daugunu was thrown into the Super Rugby cauldron for the first time back in 2018, the utility was exclusively seen as a winger for quite some time. Daugunu played 11 matches on the right wing in 14 appearances for the club that year.

??-introducing our second offseason addition 🔏

Welcome home, Lipo! pic.twitter.com/I2BBw6fwwa

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) June 29, 2024

That trend continued for quite some time until the Reds’ quarter-final loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton last year. After six years at the club, that fixture played under then-coach Brad Thorn was the first time Daugunu started at outside centre for the Reds.

But after changing positions with Kevin Foote’s Rebels this year, Daugunu will return to the Sunshine State was a more versatile player.

“For me, it was a good chance to go to Melbourne. I played a lot at outside centre and enjoyed the defensive role where you read the play by connecting with your inside centre and the winger on the outside,” Daugunu explained.

“I’ve spent most of my career playing on the wing. I’m happy to play the position where I’m needed.

“The news has been tough for the Rebels but you have to move on.”

Daugunu scored 22 tries during his first stint with the Queensland club before going on to score a handful for the Rebels. They’re some promising numbers from the utility as the Reds continue to build their squad under coach Les Kiss.

Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook are the incumbents in the Reds’ midfield and both men have been named in Joe Schmidt’s Australia squad along with Daugunu. That presents a good selection headache for the coach to have going into next season.

“It’s fantastic that Filipo has returned to Queensland,” Les Kiss added. “He’s much respected and we’re really pleased he has chosen to come home.

“He gives us great cover in the midfield and outside backs.”