Wallabies star returns to Queensland Reds for 2027 World Cup push
Izaia Perese has confirmed his return home, saying his desire to be involved in the Wallabies’ quest for World Cup glory on home soil was the main motivation behind his return to Australia.
The six-time Test center will rejoin the Queensland Reds until the end of 2028, the club where he started his career, after a two-year stint in England with Leicester Tigers.
Perese becomes the first player under new Wallabies coach Les Kiss to officially take over the reins from Joe Schmidt following Italy’s 57-10 victory on Saturday.
The 29-year-old will help fill the expected void at the Reds, with outside center Josh Flook leaving for Italian club Benetton and Hunter Paisami and Jock Campbell linked to leave Japanese rugby teams.
Perese confirmed the lure of a home World Cup in 2027 was drawing him and his family, including his four young children, back to Australian shores and admitted he felt he would finish his career overseas.
“I thought my journey was overseas and that’s where I would be for the rest of my career. Australia, Queensland is where I want to be and my excitement is an understatement,” Perese said.
“It’s an exciting time for rugby in Australia as a whole.
“Next year’s Rugby World Cup is of course a target but first it has to be playing good rugby here at the Reds.
“Playing for your country is the pinnacle. All I can do to get back there is do my job for Queensland to the best of my ability.”
“I spent two years at Leicester and as a young family it was quite challenging not having any support. Being at home and having a support network around us now was a huge factor in why I chose the Reds.”
Perese, who was known for his aggressive ball-carrying ability when he last played in Super Rugby for the New South Wales Waratahs, said his return would be as a “more well-rounded player” under the tutelage of the Reds’ new coach Vern Cotter.
“You can expect more,” Perese said.
More to come
Start your day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
