Wallabies and Reds lock in ‘astute leader and great asset’ on long-term deal ahead of Lions series
Wallabies captain and number eight Harry Wilson.
The Wallabies have received a shot in the arm with the news that captain Harry Wilson has signed a four-year contract extension with Rugby Australia (RA) and the Reds.
The number eight enjoyed a resurgence in his international career last year as he made his first Wallabies appearance since 2022 after bursting into the team for their July Test against Georgia in Sydney.
After impressing in Australia‘s 40-29 triumph over the Lelos, Wilson‘s star continued to rise as the year progressed and during the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires, he was appointed as Australia’s 90th Test captain.
Retained the Wallabies’ captaincy
The 25-year-old must have made a good impression on Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt as he retained captaincy until the end of the year.
Wilson eventually skippered the Wallabies in seven of their last eight Tests in 2024, including the famous last-gasp 42-37 victory over England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
He is delighted to extend his stay with the Reds and spoke passionately about his intention to lead the Wallabies into the future.
“This is the only place I wanted to be. I want to give the best years of my rugby career to being part of success in the Reds and the gold jersey. Being part of a home World Cup (in 2027) is something you dream about,” Wilson said.
“I didn’t speak to another club. I didn’t want to be a Wallabies captain shopping himself around the world.
“I’m the current Wallabies captain. Who am I to tell others to stay in Australia if I’m not signed, sealed and delivered myself?
“I’m delighted. There’s no background noise entering the season. I can just play footy. My manager said he’d get the deal done before the Reds’ first game and he has.
“It’s going to be a beauty back at Suncorp Stadium against Moana Pasifika on Friday night.”
RA director of high performance Peter Horne is happy that Wilson has decided to sign a contract extension.
‘An astute leader and a great asset’
“Harry has developed into a strong number eight, an astute leader and a great asset for the Wallabies and Reds,” he said.
“Harry’s re-commitment to Australian Rugby is a positive development for the game as we head into an extraordinary runway of events, headlined by the British and Irish Lions tour this year and a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.
“At just 25, Harry has many years of great rugby ahead of him and we are delighted his growth trajectory will continue with the Wallabies and Reds.”
Reds head coach Les Kiss echoed Horne’s sentiments and said it’s a massive boost for the Reds to retain Wilson’s services.
“It’s a great vote of confidence in our Reds program from Harry. What a guy to have as a mentor of our young forwards,” he remarked.
“He’s a natural leader. The difference he makes in the locker room is palpable. This news will be welcomed by fans, stakeholders and the whole locker room.”