The ex-New Zealand Under 20 enforcer who is set to play for Reds in Japan

Former New Zealand Under 20 and Bay of Plenty backrower Kohan Herbert will start for the Queensland Reds on Sunday afternoon when the tourists take on Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium.

Herbert has been given the nod to wear Queensland’s No. 7 jumper for the first time by coach Les Kiss, with the Reds naming their team for their first match in Japan. This trial will be played with extended benches and behind closed doors at the 24,000-seat venue.

For the Souths flanker, this opportunity is “a full circle moment.” Herbert played for the Queensland Under-20s in 2017 with the likes of Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson before pursuing opportunities across the ditch in New Zealand.

In a record 24-nil loss to the Australia Under-20s on the Gold Coast in 2019, Herbert joined Kaylum Boshier and future All Black Samipeni Finau in New Zealand’s backrow. Tamaiti Williams, Cullen Grace, Tupou Vaa’i, Leroy Carter and Fergus Burke also started.

Herbet made four appearances in the black jersey during the World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina that year, which included three starts at openside flanker. The loose forward would later go on to make six appearances for the Bay over two years in the NPC.

After impressing with Souths in Queensland’s premier grade club rugby competition (the StoreLocal Hospital Cup), Herbert has been rewarded with a spot in the Reds’ run-on side for their first of two matches during their tour in Japan.

“I grew up in Queensland as a boy from Downlands College,” Herbert said in a statement. "I’ve worked really hard for a chance like this without knowing if it would ever happen.

“It’s kind of a full circle moment for me.”

Herbert isn’t the only uncapped prospect who has been recognised with a start by coach Kiss, with winger Matt Brice also completing a fascinating rise to this level. Brice is from a small cattle property outside Gympie, and was identified thought the Queensland Country pathway.

The winger played for the Noosa Dolphins on the Sunshine Coast before joining the University of Queensland. That’s a decision which has led to even higher honours with Brice named to start on the left wing at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium.

“It’s awesome to get this chance, to be in Japan and know that giving 110 per cent to that training period has paid off,” Brice reflected.

“I was spotted in the Queensland Country pathway and have been in the Academy for the past two seasons.”

Brice joins Floyd Aubrey and Mason Gordon, who is the brother of former Wallaby Carter Gordon, in the Reds’ outside backs. Dre Pakeho and Frankie Goldsbrough will combine in the midfield, while Louis Werchon and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips line up in the halves.

Joining Herbert in the Reds’ backrow is Connor Vest and Joe Brial. They’ll pack down behind locks Josh Canham and Ryan Smith, with the latter set to lead the Queenslanders into battle after being named captain.

Finally, in the front row, Sef Fa’agase joins hooker Richie Asiata and powerful prop Massimo De Lutiis. De Lutiis is an especially interesting prospect, with the youngster lifting more than 200 kilograms to break Taniela Tupou’s bench press record at the Reds.

This trial will kick off at 2:00 pm AEST on Sunday.

Queensland Reds team for trial

1. Sef Fa'agase

2. Richie Asiata

3. Massimo De Lutiis

4. Josh Canham

5. Ryan Smith (c)

6. Connor Vest

7. Kohan Herbert

8. Joe Brial

9. Louis Werchon

10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips

11. Matt Brice

12. Dre Pakeho

13. Frankie Goldsbrough

14. Floyd Aubrey

15. Mason Gordon

Extended Reserves

Alex Hodgman

Matt Gibbon

Josh Nasser

George Blake

Jeffery Toomaga-Allen

Taine Roiri

Max Craig

Hamish Muller

Kalani Thomas

Will Cartwright

Tom Lynagh

Heremaia Murray

Shaun Anderson

Sebastian Hanna