Reds flyer Filipo Daugunu celebrates Wallabies eligibility with massive deal
Filipo Daugunu has celebrated the arrival of his Wallabies eligibility by signing a monster contract extension with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia.
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Fijian flyer Filipo Daugunu has celebrated the arrival of his Wallabies eligibility by signing a four-year contract extension with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia.
The winger qualified for Australian selection through residency last week, three years after the former Fijian youth soccer goalkeeper first moved to Queensland to chase his Super Rugby dream.
The 24-year-old is now regarded one of the most exciting prospects in Australian rugby after bursting onto the local rugby scene with Wests and Queensland Country in 2017.
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His potential to develop into a world class attacker has been recognised by RA rugby director Scott Johnson, who ensured the 21-game wing weapon would stick around until the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a Wallabies contract top-up.
The lucrative new contract is a far cry from the meagre development deal Daugunu signed after first arriving at a Ballymore training session in a singlet and thongs two years ago.
“It’s great to see Filipo stay in Queensland for another four years,” coach Brad Thorn said.
“He’s an amazing athlete, he’s powerful and has great agility.
“Filipo’s attacking ability has come a long way but his biggest improvement has been his work in defence.”
Daugunu’s attacking prowess was never in doubt after completing his first season on Queensland shores as the Queensland Premier Rugby and National Rugby Championship competitions’ leading try-scorer.
Daugunu’s 11 tries in 13 matches for Wests steered the club into the Premier Grade finals while his 10 NRC tries – scored across four matches, including the Grand Final – helped Queensland Country to their maiden NRC title.
That form translated fluently into Super Rugby in 2018 as Daugunu crossed for six tries in his debut season of professional rugby.
A broken arm suffered midway through the 2019 season cost Daugunu the chance to further press his claim on a starting jersey but lit a fire to make the most of his opportunities in 2020 opposite marquee recruit Henry Speight.
Daugunu said he was happy to have secured his future with the Reds.
“I’ve made a lot of good friends here,” he said.
“We’ve developed strong bonds together and I want to be a part of future success here.”
Originally published as Reds flyer Filipo Daugunu celebrates Wallabies eligibility with massive deal
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