The Queensland Reds are celebrating the retention of dynamic back-rower Seru Uru, with the two-Test Wallaby signing a fresh one-year extension.

Since debuting against the Brumbies in 2020, the 28-year-old has developed into a mainstay in the Reds side.

Uru said he was thrilled to be staying at Ballymore.

“I’m really happy to be sticking around at the Reds. I’m grateful and thankful because It has always been my intention,” Uru said.

“I started my professional rugby journey here and I’ve always called Ballymore home.

“It’s a such a special moment for me when I come into Ballymore each day and see my name on the locker in our dressing room. I see the names there of players I have great friendships with now and players who have moved on but are still important.”

Seru Uru has signed a new one-year deal with the Reds. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Capable of playing anywhere in the back-row and covering the second-row, Uru’s ability to free his arms, find space around the ruck and be used as a strong lineout option saw him capped by Joe Schmidt last year.

Uru was one of the Reds’ best before suffering an MCL injury against the Waratahs earlier this month.

Indeed, his form led many to thinking he would be firmly in Schmidt’s plans to take on the Lions this winter.

Uru, who has put on considerable size during his five years at the Reds and now hits the scales at 115kg, tipped his hat at the Reds coaching staff for developing his game.

“One thing I love about the coaching staff at the Reds is the way they encourage your skills. It’s ‘Choc’ (Zane Hilton) for lineouts, mauls and scrums. ‘Fish’ (Jonathan Fisher) helps with my breakdown and play around the park and Brad (Davis) has always pushed me with honest feedback to make the improvements I have in defence,” Uru said.  

“I’ve gained heaps of knowledge during my time at the Reds from past coaches and the current ones. I still have heaps to improve and that is one thing I enjoy because playing rugby is what I love to do.

“The coaches encourage me to play my game but I also know not to get carried away. You still have to stick to our game structures.”

Seru Uru made his Test debut for the Wallabies in 2024. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

It’s believed that the Reds hope Uru will return at some point during the finals series.

Reds coach Les Kiss will be desperate he can call on his versatile forward early in the campaign, with Uru the type of player who brings an element of X-factor to his game plan.

Seru is an important member of the Reds squad.” Kiss said.

“He is a very skilful, impactful player who continues to work hard on his game. The versatility he brings as a backrower or lock is a great benefit.”

Uru’s retention is a significant one for the Reds.

After losing Ryan Smith (Ospreys) and Angus Blyth (Waratahs), the Reds were desperate to keep Uru to keep some continuity to their roster.

But his one-year extension means Uru will likely test the waters in a year’s time overseas, especially if he doesn’t become a regular in Schmidt’s plans over the 12 months.

His signing comes off the back of the retention of rising Australia A talent Joe Brial, who last week re-signed with the Reds.