‘A really important cog’: Why Wallabies star turned down European stint
By Nick Wright
Wallabies star Tate McDermott has revealed he has turned down the opportunity for a European sabbatical in 2026, in his bid to secure his place at Australia’s scrum base.
The Queensland Reds halfback, signed until the end of 2027, reportedly had the option to skip the next Super Rugby Pacific season for a chance at overseas ventures in his contract, but has pledged his allegiance to the Ballymore cause.
But a slew of personal reasons, and the retention of coach Les Kiss as Reds coach next year before he takes over the Wallabies’ reins from Joe Schmidt, played key factors in his decision to commit to Rugby Australia.
Tate McDermott will remain at the Reds in 2026.Credit: Getty Images
“At the end of the day it came back to what’s important for me. I’m not going to stand here and say I had 100 offers because I didn’t, but there was a little bit of interest in Europe,” McDermott said.
“For me, I love playing for Queensland. What we’ve got at the Reds, we’re not where we want to be, but we’re moving in the right direction.
“With the continuity that’s happening next year with our team, not only with our players but also the staff, the direction the organisation is heading in I’m really happy to be a part of that.
“I love wearing that maroon jersey, and I’m stoked I’ll be here again next year. It was a personal decision, I’m getting married in October, and it’s a decision I made with my partner to stay here.”
McDermott’s choice will no doubt strengthen his credentials in taking on the British and Irish Lions this year, with Schmidt confirming those who had committed to Australia for the long haul would be preferred at the selection table.
Speaking at Suncorp Stadium to mark the 50-day countdown to the marquee event, Schmidt said he planned to get to Perth for a training hub, given the Western Force’s season has finished, but a squad would likely not be named until Australia’s finals teams were out of action.
As for McDermott, he declared the halfback was “a really important cog in the wheel for the Reds and for the Wallabies”, as the 26-year-old prepares to tussle with Jake Gordon and Nic White for the job against the Lions.
“For Tate, I think that stability allows him to continue some combinations that certainly help when the pressure comes on, when people know where people are going to be and how to find them when they don’t have a lot of time and space to get that pass away,” Schmidt said.
“If Tate went on sabbatical we weren’t letting him go for long anyway, so that is one bonus about sabbaticals – we know they’re coming back, and their long-term future is committed.
“But to have them continuously I think is a huge advantage, it just allows them to build not only within their Super team, but to be at Wallabies gatherings … we’re looking to assemble on June 22, and some guys who are overseas might not be back in time.”
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