Wallabies coup as hulking lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto set to turn down France, re-sign with Reds

The Wallabies have secured a signing coup with a towering forward set to rebuff advances from French Top 14 clubs to re-sign with Queensland and Rugby Australia.

Towering forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is set to rebuff advances from French Top 14 clubs to re-sign with Queensland and Rugby Australia in a signing coup for the Wallabies’ lock stocks.

This masthead understands Salakaia-Loto will ink a new three-year extension with RA and the Reds next week, keeping him in Australia until the end of 2028 and ensuring he remains in contention for the 27 home World Cup.

Salakaia-Loto was one of many off-contract stars tipped to head offshore following the British & Irish Lions series this year.

His retention is a massive bonus considering the Wallabies’ coaching job beyond this year’s Rugby Championship is unknown, with Joe Schmidt stepping down in October due to family reasons.

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Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is set to rebuff advances from France to stay in Australia. Picture: Getty Images

Salakaia-Loto’s Reds coach Les Kiss is among those in contention, but a decision on the role won’t be made by RA for a couple of weeks.

Salakaia-Loto has chosen to commit to Australian rugby despite the uncertainty, perhaps signalling faith in the overall strategic turnaround of the game.

It is no secret that Salakaia-Loto was one of the most disappointed players when RA made the decision to axe his Melbourne Rebels team last year.

He strongly considered moving abroad because of that move, before signing a one-year deal with the Reds, where he started his career before moving to English club Northampton Saints for two seasons.

Josh Nasser and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto during a Wallabies captain's run at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

With a number of talented Aussie locks plying their trade overseas, including Will Skelton, Rory and Richie Arnold, Matt Philip, Izack Rodda and Ned Hanigan, the long-term signing of Salakaia-Loto is crucial for depth in Super Rugby.

In late January, Salakaia-Loto gave insight into the career-changing decision that was upon him during an interview at Ballymore.

“At the end of the day, Brisbane is home but there are options across the board,” Salakaia-Loto said.

Lukhan Salakai-Loto is set to re-sign with Queensland Reds.

“I’ve got a lot of love for the Reds and it’s unreal to be back.”

He said he was a more mature player now than when he split from the Reds, having had the stints Northampton and Melbourne.

“It (leaving the Reds) was probably something I needed but didn’t realise until I left,” he said.

“I did a lot of growing up going to England and Melbourne.

“I’ve got two kids now and you learn a lot of lessons when you leave the nest. That’s what it was for me and the best thing for me.

“Those lessons and my experience can help me and I can pass them onto other players as well.”

Originally published as Wallabies coup as hulking lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto set to turn down France, re-sign with Reds