Queensland Reds release new jersey for 2020 Super Rugby season

The Queensland Reds have echoed the style of a late 1990s jersey with a new kit to be worn for trials and tours in the 2020 season. Check out the photos here.

Top flyhalf contender Isaac Lucas is ready for his full-scale audition and will be wearing a bold new jersey when the Queensland Reds trial in Dalby on January 24.

Beyond the traditional maroon palette for the season proper, jersey-makers Dynasty Sport have created a jumper of broad maroon, steel grey and blue bands for the team to wear in pre-season games and as the team’s away kit for their tour of South Africa.

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Wing signing Henry Speight modelled the Reds’ new maroon jersey for 2020 with its blue-white trims.

Lucas, 20, this week gave the jersey remix a strong thumbs-up and it does echo the Reds’ jersey of the late 1990s when John Eales wore maroon, blue and white bands.

Utility back Isaac Lucas shows off the new Queensland Reds alternate jersey that will be worn in trials and when jersey colours clash on the road in 2020. Picture: Brendan Hertel, QRU

“We only wear maroon in cap games for the Reds so it’s great to have another cool jersey made for the trials,” Lucas said.

Lucas has put on 2.5kg over the past year and will play at around 85kg for the Dalby hit-out which shapes as a key testing ground for the Reds’ plans at No.10.

Lucas was given a full season in the playmaker role at Brisbane City during the National Rugby Championship when Reds backs boss Jim McKay was head coach.

On that evidence alone, Lucas has to be considered the top flyhalf candidate for the Super Rugby season ahead of Hamish Stewart, Bryce Hegarty, youngster Carter Gordon and even James O’Connor.

New wing signing Henry Speight shows off the new 2020 Queensland Reds playing jersey. Picture: Brendan Hertel

“Playing five-eighth rather than fullback or inside centre is obviously a very different proposition because you have to take control and be a voice for the whole game,” Lucas said.

“I definitely felt I improved in both those areas having eight or so games there during the NRC.

“I’ve got a lot of improvement still to come but I do feel more confident after the NRC experience and really want to have a crack in the position in Dalby.”

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The Reds are still to finalise a second trial but the Dalby match against the NSW Waratahs will be a high-quality dress rehearsal for the kick-off to Super Rugby against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra a week later.

Wallaby O’Connor’s early return from leave to train at Ballymore last week is a positive sign that the versatile back is committed to being a major asset for the Reds after his career rebirth at the Rugby World Cup.

Originally published as Queensland Reds release new jersey for 2020 Super Rugby season