The Wallabies have locked away one other key a part of their ahead contingent, after second-rower Lukhan Salakaia-Loto signed on by means of to the top of 2028.
The Queensland Reds lock, who’s at the moment sidelined by a leg harm, will stay at Ballymore for not less than the following three seasons, giving the following Wallabies coach stability at lock for the run to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Salakaia-Loto’s extension comes on the again of that signed by Reds teammate and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson, whereas reviews counsel star centre Len Ikitau may also recommit to Rugby Australia however with a nine-month sabbatical throughout 2025 and 2026 written into his contract.
Salakaia-Loto solely returned to Australian rugby within the again half of 2023, earlier than becoming a member of the Melbourne Rebels for 2024. With that franchise having been wound up amid crippling monetary points, Salakaia-Loto determined to return to Queensland — the membership he performed for earlier than becoming a member of English outfit Northampton — for the 2025 season and has shortly settled into life underneath coach Les Kiss regardless of his harm.
“I really feel like I am solely simply getting began within the second chapter of my profession and that my greatest rugby is forward of me and hopefully I can put my greatest foot ahead in a Reds jersey and a Wallabies jersey is one thing that I can proceed to earn,” Salakaia-Loto stated.
“The aim in the beginning of final 12 months was to place the Wallabies jersey on once more and it is the aim once more this 12 months however I do know that solely comes from my performances for the Reds.
“To be at house for the following couple of years with my household settled right here I believe that is essential for me to have the ability to produce some good rugby.”
Salakaia-Loto, 28, can cowl each lock and No. 6, having first made his Check debut towards the Springboks in Bloemfontein in 2017.
He was a part of Michael Cheika’s World Cup squad in 2019 however didn’t function in Eddie Jones’ group for the disastrous 2023 marketing campaign.
Alongside Brumbies star Nick Frost and rising Western Power captain Jeremy Williams, Salakaia-Loto will likely be on the forefront of outgoing Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s considering at lock for the British & Irish Lions sequence in July after which the Rugby Championship thereafter.
“Lukhan is an skilled Check participant whose re-signing reveals his long-term dedication to the Queensland Reds and Australian rugby,” RA’s director of excessive efficiency Peter Horne stated.
“We’re wanting ahead to persevering with to see him work exhausting and carry out nicely for the Reds throughout the Tremendous Rugby Pacific season.”
Salakaia-Loto is due again for the Reds in a number of weeks’ time.
“Now we have welcomed Lukhan and his younger household to Brisbane,” Kiss stated Salakaia-Loto’s extension.
“He joined the Reds on the pre-season tour of the UK the place the advantages of his expertise have been felt inside our squad.
“We look ahead to all he can contribute to the Reds on the sector and within the locker room.”
