Wallaby Matt Faessler makes big call ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup

Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union have secured the future of Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler, who has re-signed on a two-year deal until the end of 2027. This announcement means “one of the toughest” hookers in Australia will be eligible to play at the 2027 World Cup.

Faessler joins the likes of Harry Wilson and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto by recommitting to the Queensland Reds on a deal that expires after the upcoming showpiece event, which will be held in Australia in a couple of years.

This is a significant update for the Wallabies, with Faessler coming off a breakout international season in 2024 under coach Joe Schmidt. The front rower played nine Tests and became the first Wallabies hooker ever to score a hat-trick during a big win over Wales in Cardiff.

Under former Australia coach Eddie Jones, Faessler was handed a Test debut against the All Blacks in Dunedin and was later selected in the squad for the Rugby World Cup in France. The 26-year-old has played 14 Tests in total and has made 47 appearances for the Reds.

“I love representing my state and feel we’re building something special here at Ballymore that I want to continue to contribute to and be a part of,” Faessler said in a statement.

“There’s also some massive events coming up for the Wallabies with this year’s Lions Series and home World Cup that I’d certainly love to be involved in but I know my performances here for Queensland are key to that.”

Faessler has been solid for the Reds so far in Super Rugby Pacific. The Toowoomba-born talent scored a try off the bench in the team’s season opener against Moana Pasifika in Brisbane and has since started two matches back-to-back against the Western Force and Crusaders.

Coach Les Kiss has also retained the hooker in the starting side ahead of this weekend’s crunch clash with the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium. The Tahs are currently unbeaten, but coach Dan McKellar labelled the Reds “the best team” in Super Rugby on Saturday evening in Sydney.

As Kiss explained, Faessler’s decision to recommit to Australian rugby is a big win for all involved.

“Matt has consistently proven himself one of the toughest and more durable hookers in the country. From a Queensland and Australian perspective, his commitment for another two years is a real positive,” Kiss discussed.

“I know there will be plenty of his forward teammates who agree because he’s very competitive and brings out the best in them too.”

Rugby Australia’s Director of High-Performance, Peter Horne, added: “We’re delighted that Matt has recommitted to the Reds and Australian rugby.

“A robust competitor, he adds to the group of players readying themselves for the exciting opportunities in the next few years with the Lions Tour, Nations Cup and, at the pinnacle of the game, the Rugby World Cup here in Australia in 2027.”