The Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia are pleased to announce the re-signing of hooker Matt Faessler on a two-year deal through to the end of 2027.
Faessler’s ongoing commitment to the Queensland Reds is part of an upbeat surge of re-signings following fellow Wallabies Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Harry Wilson in recent weeks.
Faessler, 26, enjoyed his best international season in 2024, playing nine Tests and becoming the first Australian hooker in history to cross for three tries in a match during the Wallabies’ 52-20 victory over Wales in Cardiff.
A product of Queensland’s Darling Downs and the USQ Saints, Faessler values the non-traditional pathway he took to earn his place in Super Rugby's professional ranks at 23.
He played for both Brothers in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup before a 2022 stint with Randwick in Sydney's Shute Shield competition.
He was brought back across the border to Ballymore in 2022 when the Reds needed to bolster their hooker stocks. He made his Super Rugby debut in the same year and quickly earned a reputation for a strong set piece and his work around the field.
One year later, he became Wallaby No. 969 when he made his Test debut against the All Blacks in Dunedin.
His maternal grandfather, Vince Bermingham, is Wallaby No. 288 and was a member of the first Australian side to win the Bledisloe Cup in 1934.
Faessler featured in the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad in France and has been capped 14 times for the Wallabies so far and has represented the Reds on 47 occasions.
Queensland Reds and Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler said: “I’m stoked to have my future secured for the next two years here at the Reds and with Australian Rugby.
“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.
“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.”
Reds head coach Les Kiss said Faessler's re-signing was a plus on many fronts.
"Matt has consistently proven himself one of the toughest and most durable hookers in the country. From a Queensland and Australian perspective, his commitment for another two years is a real positive," Kiss said.
"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 said: “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.”
Position: Hooker
Height: 182cm
Weight: 111kg
Date of Birth: December 21, 1998
Place of birth: Toowoomba, Queensland
Wallaby Cap number: 969
Test debut: 2023 v New Zealand, Dunedin
Test caps: 14
Queensland Cap Number: 1368
Super Rugby debut: 2022 v Western Force, Perth
Queensland Reds caps: 47
Club: Brothers
