Wallabies forward with a ‘wealth of experience’ signed by Reds
Lukhan-Salakaia-Loto for Wallabies.
Wallabies second-row Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has put pen to paper on a deal to join the Reds, admitting it is “unreal” to be back at the Super Rugby Pacific side.
The 122kg powerhouse returns to the Queensland outfit after stints in the Premiership with Northampton Saints and most recently the now defunct Melbourne Rebels.
Salakaia-Loto has played 32 internationals for the Wallabies and made 77 Super Rugby appearances to date, so he returns to the Reds with a good amount of experience.
Back in Brisbane
The 27-year-old joins Josh Canham, Matt Gibbon, Filipo Daugunu and Lachie Anderson in being signed by head coach Les Kiss ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby season.
“To be back here in Brisbane and at Ballymore is unreal, especially with the way the Reds played this season,” Salakaia-Loto beamed after the contract was announced.
“Having such strong connections to this place, I’m just grateful I could talk things through in a positive way with Les, Sam, the coaching staff, ‘Wrongaz’ (Liam Wright) and Tate (McDermott).
“Hopefully, I can be a part of the Reds taking the next step next year. I know how hard the boys work here so it’s up to us to make it happen.”
Salakaia-Loto played for the Reds from 2016 to 2022, making his debut at just 19 years of age, so he will now pull on the shirt with plenty of games under his belt.
“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,” he said.
“I was a sponge learning more about playing lock and flanker off experienced forwards like (England stalwart) Courtney Lawes.
“You mature and see the game better. Hopefully, I can pass on some of those learnings because when I was a young fella at the Reds in 2016 I was probably only thinking about what to eat next.
“Life is definitely different and better with a partner and two kids. I’ve heard from the Reds boys that Les is big on family and I’m excited to be part of it all in Brissy.”
Salakaia-Loto is currently on duty for the Wallabies as they prepare for next week’s Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks at the Reds’ home ground.
Head coach Kiss is thrilled to have signed the powerful lock and revealed how he and Sam Cordingley, QRU’s General Manager-Professional Rugby, got their man.
“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.
“Sam and I had productive conversations with Lukhan. We’ve also seen his impact for the Wallabies in July. We all look forward to what is ahead.”
READ MORE: Rugby Championship match officials announced as Luke Pearce referees Wallabies v Springboks opener