Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has backed his words up with actions.
Indeed, a month after calling on his teammates to “see the bigger picture” and go all-in on the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Wilson has given the Queensland Reds an extra springboard ahead of Friday’s season opener against Moana Pasifika in Brisbane by re-signing with the Super Rugby franchise.
The 25-year-old told his agent to get the deal done before the Super Rugby season opener – and that he has, with the Wallabies skipper signing a four-year extension deal that will see him stay in Australia until the end of 2029.
“This is the only place I wanted to be,” Wilson said. “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 is something you dream about.
“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.”
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson has re-signed with the Queensland Reds. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
Wilson might not be the Reds skipper, but the No.8 has very much been the spiritual leader of Queensland since he burst on the scene in 2020.
Reds coach Les Kiss, who helped Wilson re-emerge in 2024 after two years in the international wilderness, said he was thrilled to have locked down the back-rower long-term at Ballymore.
“It’s a great vote of confidence in our Reds program from Harry,” said Kiss, who is the favourite to take over from Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt in October.
“What a guy to have as a mentor of our young forwards.
“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.”
While Rugby Australia high performance director Peter Horne trumpeted the announcement, too.
“Harry has developed into a strong No. 8, 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.”
