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Newly Wallabies-eligible winger signs bumper deal with Reds
By Online Editors
Another flying Fijian has re-committed with Brad Thorn's Reds until 2023.
24-year-old Filipo Daugunu has signed a four-year deal with the Queensland team which could see him press his case for selection in the Wallabies.
Daugunu is finally eligible for the national side after moving to Australia three years ago and signing on with the Reds gives the former football goal-keeper a straightforward run to the Wallabies.
"I'm very happy to stay at Queensland," Daugunu has said of his new contract.
“I've got a lot of good friends here. We've developed strong bonds together. We're a big family at the Reds and I want to be a part of future success here.”
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Former All Black Thorn will enter his third year as head coach of the Reds and will be grateful to have Daugunu's services back after the wing spent most of 2019 on the sidelines due to a broken arm.
“It’s great to see Filipo Daugunu stay in Queensland for another four years," Thorn said.
“He’s an amazing athlete. He’s powerful and has great agility. Filipo’s attacking ability has come a long way, but his biggest improvement has been his work in defence.
“Filipo’s come through the NRC with Queensland Country and continues to contribute to our program.”
Daugunu was the Reds' top try-scorer in 2018 and has notched up 14 appearances for the Queensland side.
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Latest Comments
I think it was a better rugby destination for him.
He was developed in Melbourne and had a relatively brief stint there. I think he was possibly dropped out of the squad for the return of someone like To'omua (also a Melbourne local) in 2019 ahead of the RWC. But then he wasn't picked up by another Australian team and went to play in Japan when he only really seemed to play a hat full of top level games (maybe injured for long periods??) before he went on to Scotland. But it was only in Scotland that he started to get a lot of consistent game time and selection.
The thing is, no one talked about him being a missed opportunity in Australia before he left - a little like Mac Hansen. But he has been able to forge a top level career since leaving. Both men only had a handful (5 or 6?) games at Super Rugby level before they made a decision to leave (or had it made for them I suppose). Other countries have gone on to develop them and that is great for them and it is probably good for the global game as it means the best players are rising to the top - if not in their birth country than in another. I think there are a lot of issues with poor player development in Australia but I don't know if these two blokes are very good examples of it.
Go to commentsOk I understand. Give them my number please Nick.
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