Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has confirmed his long-term commitment to Australian Rugby, signing a four-year extension.
The deal sees Wilson commit his future to Queensland and Australia until the end of the 2029 season, the first Wallaby to do so.
2024 was a breakout season in Test Rugby for the 25-year-old, bursting into the team for the July Test against Georgia, his first international since 2022.
From here, Wilson’s ascend was rapid, eventually going on to captain the side against Argentina.
He became the 90th player to do so, an honor the number eight held until the end of the year.
Wilson captained the Wallabies in seven of the last eight Tests in 2024, including the famous last-minute win over England.
The Reds backrower gave an impassionate rally cry about his intentions to stay in Australia and 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.”
“Harry has developed into a strong No. 8, an astute leader, and a great asset for the Wallabies and Reds,” RA Director of High-Performance Peter Horne added.
“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.”
“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,” Reds coach Les Kiss 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.”
