Queensland Reds star Lukhan Salakaia-Loto confirms move to English club rugby
A Queensland Reds star will leave the club to continue his career in England, saying the move is a “fantastic opportunity”.
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Queensland Reds star Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has confirmed his move to English club Northampton Saints, saying it provided a “fantastic opportunity” for him and his family.
Controversially overlooked for the Wallabies’ tour of the UK last year and seemingly set to have been offered a reduced Rugby Australia contract, towering lock Salakaia-Loto has signed a deal reportedly worth $600,000 for the 2022-23 season.
“The Northampton squad is already filled with talent and I’m just looking forward to getting over to England later this year to try to develop my game and help the team win some trophies,” Salakaia-Loto told the Saints website.
“I’ve heard that Franklin’s Gardens is an amazing place to play rugby, and for a long time now, I have wanted to test myself in the northern hemisphere.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and my family, so I can’t wait to pull on a black, green and gold jersey for the first time.”
Despite his decision to leave Queensland, Salakaia-Loto has been named Reds captain for Friday night’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against Western Force in Perth in the absence of injured trio Liam Wright (shoulder), Tate McDermott (ankle) and Sam Scott-Young (knee).
The Reds, who are aiming for a third straight win, will be boosted by the return of Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami from a knee injury.
Paisami’s presence will push Josh Flook to the wing, with Wallabies winger Filipo Daugunu losing his spot in a reshuffled backline,
In the absence of halfback and co-captain McDermott, Kalani Thomas will partner James O’Connor in the halves, with Spencer Jeans having to be content with a spot on the bench.
Powerhouse prop Taniela Tupou, who missed last Friday’s 20-16 win over NSW in Sydney after injuring his back in the warm-up, will return via the bench.
Elsewhere in the forwards, Seru Uru will start at blindside flanker for the first time this season in the absence of Scott-Young, while hooker Josh Nasser will make his maiden appearance in Queensland’s starting team.
Reds coach Brad Thorn said: “We’ve had two tough games so far and we look forward to another one against the Force on Friday night.
“They’ve got good experience and they’re playing in front of their home fans for the first time this year, so they’ll be a tough opposition,”.
Reds: Dane Zanderr, Josh Nasser*, Feao Fotuaika, Angus Blyth, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (c), Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Josh Flook, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell.
Originally published as Queensland Reds star Lukhan Salakaia-Loto confirms move to English club rugby
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