Queensland Reds

Back in gold after being left out of Joe Schmidt’s final squad, the towering lock has opened up on the disappointing axing.

The boom teenager turned down two NRL clubs to stay in Australian rugby but his brother’s new deal came with an added surprise.

Izaia Perese’s homecoming has been confirmed, with the 29-year-old Wallaby penning a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds.

The Queensland Reds have landed the services of Wallabies star Tom Hooper, but he won’t lace up his boots for them until the 2029 Super Rugby season.

Les Kiss can start plotting his Wallabies tenure after the Chiefs ended Australia’s Super Rugby title hopes in rainy Hamilton on Saturday night.

TEAMS: The rubber is about to meet the road as the Super Rugby Pacific qualifying finals kick off in New Zealand and live on Stan Sport this weekend.

That ugly 0-21 record is a confronting reality as they attempt to pilot their sides past the Hurricanes and Chiefs respectively.

The Queensland Reds survived an almighty scare to beat Moana Pasifika 33-31 and keep their Super Rugby finals plans on track on Saturday.

The NSW Waratahs will again be without Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for the crucial clash with the ACT Brumbies in Sydney on Friday night.

The 23-year-old has been sidelined with a frustrating calf injury this year and has also suffered several concerning head knocks.