The Queensland Reds will fly to Japan on Thursday with a squad infused with tough, experienced forwards and fresh backline flair.
The Reds have named 29 players for their two-game visit to challenge the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Kumagaya.
Sunday’s clash against the Wild Knights will be played with extended benches, behind closed doors, before the feature fixture on Monday, November 4 for the Saitama-Queensland Shield.
The squad of 29 boasts more than 350 Queensland caps of experience and includes Tom Lynagh, Alex Hodgman, Matt Gibbon, Josh Nasser, Josh Canham and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, who have all played Test rugby.
Shaun Anderson (GPS), Sebastian Hanna (Brothers), Kohan Herbert (Souths) and Hamish Muller (Brothers) have been included after an impressive training month with the Reds following strong performances in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup.
Lanky winger Matt Brice (University of Queensland) has also earned his spot after impressive progress through the Buildcorp Reds Academy. Brice is a former Noosa Dolphins player who came through the Queensland Country pathway.
These five players from the Brisbane club scene all have the chance to make a Reds debut on tour.
In addition, pacy 2024 Crusaders winger-centre Heremaia Murray, 24, will tour as a player of interest.
Seven Reds players (Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Josh Nasser, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial and Massimo De Lutiis) will travel to Europe after the tour’s second match to join the Australia XV squad for their two games in England.
“This is a good, solid squad with a real focus which the players have shown with their hard work over the past month,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said.
“That’s been essential to prepare for the great competitive relationship we have with the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.
“We value the history our two clubs have developed and the opportunity this creates for both clubs to look at exciting talent hungry for chances.”
Kiss said he was delighted to reward newcomers spotted during the StoreLocal Hospital Cup season.
“We have been watching the club season closely to know these players have qualities,” Kiss said.
“Kohan is a genuine No.7 and leader for Souths, Hamish is a good option covering the backrow and lock, Shaun is a physical and fast outside back, Bas has picked things up really quickly at training and Matt made a clear case with his impressive training.”
Versatile Will Cartwright is already an example of what is possible. He was ushered in for matches against Wales and Tonga after showing his pacy versatility at halfback and on the wing for Brothers.
The visit to Japan continues the close relationship with the Wild Knights. It follows the maiden trip to Kumagaya in 2022 and the return visit by the Wild Knights to Brisbane last November.
Louis Werchon
Kalani Thomas
Will Cartwright
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Tom Lynagh
Heremaia Murray
Matt Brice
Dre Pakeho
Frankie Goldsbrough
Floyd Aubrey
Shaun Anderson
Sebastian Hanna
Mason Gordon
Alex Hodgman
Sef Fa’agase
Matt Gibbon
Josh Nasser
Richie Asiata
George Blake
Massimo De Lutiis
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
Ryan Smith
Connor Vest
Josh Canham
Taine Roiri
Kohan Herbert
Max Craig
Joe Brial
Hamish Muller
