Zane Nonggorr commits future to hometown team on long-term deal

Zane Nonggorr has locked in his playing future at the Queensland Reds, signing a three-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Brisbane-based club.

The Wallaby tighthead, 25, has amassed 62 caps for his club since his 2020 debut as a 19-year-old, and made his Test debut in 2023 ahead of the Rugby World Cup, where he played two games off the bench.

Nonggorr was one of the Wallabies’ big risers in 2025, playing in nine of the team’s 15 Tests, including significant wins over the Lions, Springboks and Pumas, and then starting in Australia’s win over Japan.

The age-grade star from Cairns will now continue to ply his trade in his home state until midway through the next Rugby World Cup cycle.

“It’s really good to have this security locked in,” Nonggorr said. “I can focus on footy and getting better. I feel the standard of training and the competition for spots is really high for the Reds and Wallabies in the front-row positions. That’s what you want in teams that are pushing to do well in competitions.

“For me, my biggest improvement over the past two seasons has been work rate. It’s movement around the field, so I’m getting more involved, hitting more rucks, reloading after set pieces and so on. I’m very excited to keep working on my game for the next three years at the Reds.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this period in the game, and hopefully I’ll be able to play for the Wallabies this year if I perform for the Reds. First things first and that’s playing well in Super Rugby. Having played some Test rugby, you know how good you have to be to reach that level. My goal is to perform more consistently to that level and express that in Super Rugby to earn the chance again.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

18

33

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

60%

Reds head coach Les Kiss will have the chance to select Nonggorr in the Wallabies later this year when he assumes the head coaching role, and said he is thrilled to have the prop staying put in Australia.

“Noggsy has a lot of valuable experience as a young international front-rower and is on an upward trajectory with his career,” Kiss said. “He’s shown very good improvement over the past two or three years.

“There’s lots of belief he will continue to do so for Queensland and Australian Rugby. He’s also an important and respected member of our locker room at the Reds.”

That excitement was shared by Rugby Australia Director of High Performance, Peter Horne.

“Zane has made strong progress in the last few seasons. At just 25, he has already passed 50 games for the Reds and is one match away from 20 Tests with the Wallabies. With continued hard work and improvement, he has the potential to become an excellent contributor to Queensland and Australian Rugby.

“Zane provides strength and depth to our front row stocks and we are pleased he has re-committed to Australian Rugby and as we build towards a home Rugby World Cup.”