Carter Gordon is to link with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia through 2028 under a deal struck for the 2023 Wallabies flyhalf to return to rugby union.
RA and the Queensland Rugby Union are pleased to today announce the signing, effective this month.
The three-year deal follows Gordon's one-season foray into rugby league and his debut for the Gold Coast Titans last month.
Gordon, 24, will reboot his rugby career at the Reds where he has yearned to play since first signing with the club as a 17-year-old schoolboy in 2018.
The Sunshine Coast product's injury-affected three seasons with the Reds squad, between 2018-20, put him on the fringe of selection. It was a development period which made him a target for the Melbourne Rebels.
He played 46 games over four seasons for the Rebels (2021-24) and his strong form was rewarded in 2023 when he was picked for the Wallabies.
His eight-Test run began with an eye-catching play off the bench against South Africa in Pretoria when he grubber kicked ahead, received a pass inside and ran more than 60m for a try.
Gordon became Wallaby No. 967 with that debut against the Springboks. In 2023, he went on to twice start Tests against the All Blacks and make three appearances at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
A former Australian Schools and Under-18s representative, Gordon returns to rugby at an exciting time with less than two years remaining until the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Gordon said he was looking forward to returning to Australian Rugby and representing his home state as a Queensland Red.
“I’m stoked to return to the game I grew up playing and loving as a kid, especially with the opportunity to represent the team I grew up supporting, the Queensland Reds," Gordon said.
“I’ve watched both Queensland and the Wallabies from afar over the past year or so, and the journey they’re on motivates me to want to work hard and contribute positively on and off the field.
“I’d also like to thank the Gold Coast Titans for the opportunity to grow as a player and person at their club and for all their support for me and my family over the past 16 months. I wish the players and the staff all the best for what’s ahead.”
At his best, Gordon's ability to take the ball to the line in attack, his long-passing game, his stout defence and kicking in general play are all strong assets.
Gordon is Queensland born and bred. During the difficult COVID years, he remained loyal to his Brisbane club Wests.
Though not easy to get across the border from Victoria into Queensland, he did so to play for Wests in 2021 and guided the Bulldogs to their first StoreLocal Hospital Cup premiership in 16 years in 2022.
Gordon played his first rugby with Sunshine Coast Grammar, piloted strong teams at Brisbane Boys' College and progressed through the Queensland rugby pathways.
Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said: "It is great news that Carter has returned to rugby and we look forward to welcoming him back here to the Reds.
“Carter is a quality player who no doubt deepens our playing options in the key positions of flyhalf, fullback and inside centre.
"In every Super Rugby Pacific season, there are challenges with how byes are placed and travel periods. Increasing depth across our squad is definitely helpful.”
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh said the signing of Gordon boosted the playmaking depth of Australian Rugby.
“We are pleased Carter is returning to rugby after excelling as a junior with Sunshine Coast Grammar, Brisbane Boys’ College and Wests in Brisbane before taking the step up to Super Rugby and Test arena at a young age.
“Carter’s signing will ensure additional healthy competition at the Reds and the Wallabies and provides him with a two-year runway to make his case for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“Rugby Australia has taken a strategic approach to player contracting this World Cup cycle and we are delighted to bring Carter back into the system.”
Position: Flyhalf
Height: 189cm
Weight: 94kg
Born: 29/1/2001
Place of birth: Nambour, Queensland
Senior Club: Wests
School: Sunshine Coast Grammar/Brisbane Boys' College
Junior Club: Sunshine Coast Grammar
Tests: 8
Wallabies Debut: 2023 v South Africa, Pretoria
Wallaby Number: 967
Super Rugby debut: 2021 Melbourne Rebels v NSW Waratahs, Sydney (SR AU)
Super Rugby caps: 46 (Rebels)
