Wallabies Second-Row Lukhan Salakaia-Loto Rejoins Reds for 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Season
(BBC, 16 August 2023) – Experienced Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has signed a deal to return to the Queensland Reds for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The 122kg powerhouse, who has earned 32 international caps, is thrilled to be back at the club where he first made his professional debut at just 19 years of age.
Salakaia-Loto, who spent time in the Premiership with Northampton Saints and most recently the now-defunct Melbourne Rebels, believes his stint abroad has helped him mature as both a player and a person. “The season at Northampton was massive for me in terms of developing my game and my growth as a person off the field as well,” the 27-year-old revealed.
Reds Head Coach Delighted with Signing
Reds head coach Les Kiss expressed his delight at securing Salakaia-Loto’s services, highlighting the wealth of experience the lock will bring to the squad. “It’s great to welcome Lukhan and his young family to Brisbane,” Kiss said. “He’s gained a wealth of experience at Northampton and the Rebels to bring back for this wonderful opportunity at the Reds where he started his rugby.”
With 77 Super Rugby appearances already under his belt, Salakaia-Loto is eager to build on the Reds’ impressive 2023 season and help the team take the “next step” in 2025. “To be back here in Brisbane and at Ballymore is unreal, especially with the way the Reds played this season,” he said. “Hopefully, I can be a part of the Reds taking the next step next year.”
Strengthening the Reds Roster
Salakaia-Loto, who is currently on Wallabies duty as they prepare for the upcoming Rugby Championship, will join a growing list of new signings for the Reds, including Josh Canham, Matt Gibbon, Filipo Daugunu and Lachie Anderson. With the powerful lock’s wealth of experience and the team’s strong performances in 2023, rugby union enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season for the Queensland outfit.
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