‘One of the world’s best’ rejects mega overseas offers to extend Wallabies career
Wallabies openside flanker Fraser McReight.
The Wallabies have received a boost with the news that star back-row Fraser McReight has signed a three-year contract extension with Rugby Australia (RA) and the Reds.
The 26-year-old’s decision to commit his future to the Brisbane-based outfit and the Wallabies beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia is viewed as a coup as he turned down lucrative overseas offers.
McReight has established himself as the Wallabies‘ first choice openside flanker in recent years and he is one of the best players in his position in the international arena.
He had one of his best years in 2024 when he won Australia’s Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) Medal for Excellence and the Pilecki Medal as Queensland’s best player.
Apart from that, McReight also represented the Wallabies in eight Tests last year and despite injury setbacks, was nominated for the John Eales Medal.
He is highly rated in Australia since making his mark with the Australia Schools side in 2016 and he also captained the Junior Wallabies to an Oceania U20s title in 2019.
“I’m very happy to have my contract resolved for the next three years and I can concentrate on those good times ahead with the Reds, the Wallabies and my teammates,” McReight said in a statement.
‘My heart has always been with the Reds and the Wallabies’
“There were other offers but my heart has always been with the Reds and the Wallabies. Queensland is my home and it means so much to represent my family and friends and playing for your country is the highest honour where you get to represent where you come from with pride.
“There are some huge events ahead in rugby in this country, and as a nation we are rebuilding and I want to be part of that.”
Wallabies and Reds lock in ‘astute leader and great asset’ on long-term deal ahead of Lions series
McReight’s decision to sign a contract extension is a massive statement as he is the latest of a growing group of Wallabies who have opted to stay in Australia beyond the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour.
Brumbies second-row Nick Frost and Reds hooker Matt Faessler put pen to paper on deals until 2027 earlier this week, while McReight’s Reds team-mates Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson and experienced utility forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto also signed contract extensions in recent weeks.
Reds head coach Les Kiss is delighted that McReight has opted to extend his stay with the Brisbane-based outfit.
“Fraser is not only one of the world’s best openside flankers, he has a really positive influence within the locker room and has taken on extra leadership responsibilities,” he said.
‘Great news for the Reds for years to come’
“The re-signing of Harry Wilson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Faessler and now Fraser is great news for the Reds for years to come and it is the same for the strength of the Wallabies.”
RA director of high performance Peter Horne echoed those sentiments and exepcts McReight to continue shining for the Wallabies and Reds.
“Fraser continues Australian Rugby’s reputation of developing strong openside flankers and we are excited to keep him with the Wallabies and Reds for a further three years through to 2028,” he added.
“He has established himself as a regular member of the Wallabies squad and we hope he will continue to play a pivotal role as we approach an extraordinary runway of major events at home, starting with this year’s British and Irish Lions tour.
“Like his Reds backrow teammate Harry Wilson, Fraser is entering his prime years as an international player and his commitment to Australian Rugby extends beyond the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.”
