Izack Rodda pens new Rugby Australia, Reds deal

David Skippers

The Wallabies have received a boost with the news that lock Izack Rodda has signed a new four-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Reds.

Rodda joins fellow Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad members Michael Hooper, Allan Alaalatoa, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou and Jordan Petaia in committing long-term to Australian Rugby during 2019.

The imposing forward has been locked down as a key member of the national setup and will look to cement his role with the Wallabies during the 2019 tournament in Japan through to the next Rugby World Cup in France.

Growing up on the far north New South Wales coast, Rodda has notched 21 Tests since completing a meteoric rise to the international arena in 2017 after a barnstorming maiden Super Rugby season with the Reds.

The 23-year-old started every match in the Wallabies’ 2018 campaign and was again at the forefront during the 2019 winter ahead of his selection in the 31-man squad for Japan.

Rodda has also established himself as a leader in Queensland after he was handed the Reds captaincy against the Chiefs in Hamilton during the 2019 Super Rugby season in the absence of regular skipper, Samu Kerevi.

The Ipswich Grammar product now has 27 matches under his belt with the Reds and joins a host of exciting youngsters who have recently committed to Brad Thorn’s side.

Rodda said: “It all started for me in Queensland, so it was a no-brainer to stay there for another four years.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds for this Reds team. We’ve all been together through that Queensland pathway.

“We’ve all come through together at U20s level and then progressed to NRC and then some made their Super Rugby debuts earlier than others, but we’re all now that same crew who went through with U20s.

“We’re all very close mates. There are good friendships there and we’re just going to keep building and looking forward to how we go as a team. I’ve been loving my time at the Reds creating friendships and it’s been great to learn under Thorny being an ex-second rower who’s helped my game.

“It’s good to confirm and announce this before the World Cup starts this week so I can shift my focus on the Wallabies, but definitely excited and honoured to re-sign with Australian Rugby and the Reds for another four years.”

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