Wallabies winger Henry Speight signs with Bond University

The Queensland Reds marquee signing has chosen to align with Bond University in the Queensland Premier Rugby competition.

Reds signing Henry Speight will join the Bond Uni rugby club as his local club team. When not required by the Qld Reds he'll play for Bond Uni Bull Sharks. Picture Glenn Hampson.

The owner of Australian rugby’s most famous afro, 19-Test Wallabies winger Henry Speight, has chosen to adopt Bond University as his local Queensland Premier Rugby team.

The Queensland Reds marquee recruit will pull on the Bull Sharks jersey whenever he is not required by the team and promises he will be a frequent presence at Bond this season.

Reds signing Henry Speight will join the Bond Uni rugby club as his local club team. When not required by the Qld Reds he'll play for Bond Uni Bull Sharks. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Speight is embracing a wider community role as the Bond University Land Rover Gold Coast Rugby Ambassador, helping grow the sport in the region.

Speight said choosing a non Brisbane-based club was important to him because he hopes to make a difference in regions where access to Wallabies players is limited.

“Having been big on grassroots and club rugby back in Canberra, and being passionate about youth and kids, the opportunity to grow the game in this part of Queensland was a big motivator for me to choose Bond,” Speight said.

“Having the opportunity to reach out and grow the game here is the biggest goal for me.

“Rugby has given me so much and the best way I know to give back is to help out the local clubs.

“I want to turn up to Bond Uni and the junior clubs and competitions and clinics because when I was growing up, seeing someone give up their time really inspired me to be like that person.

“I’m on the other side of that fence now but nothing changes, I want to do what I can.

“If I can come out to a session and inspire just one kid to play rugby then that’s one more kid with another pathway in life they can go for.

“That’s my biggest challenge but it’s why I play the game.

“I wake up in the mornings so I can try and touch and inspire someone’s life.”

The importance of connecting with his new home has been drummed home by Reds coaches including Brad Thorn, who has challenged players to learn more about the state they represent this off-season.

Reds signing Henry Speight will join the Bond Uni rugby club as his local club team. When not required by the Qld Reds he'll play for Bond Uni Bull Sharks. Henry Speight chats to the Premier Pathways Squad. Picture Glenn Hampson.

“I think as professionals we expect a lot of things from our supporters, to turn up to our games, but I think it’s a two-way street,” Speight said.

“You can’t be asking for support if you’re not showing that support and being genuine with the people we represent on the field.

“I hope I can come down and play a few games with Bond because there’s nothing more you can do from a professional’s point of view than to pull on the jersey and make yourself belong to the community you’re representing.

“When you go on to represent the Reds and Australia they have that connection with you and know they are being represented through you.

“Hopefully I can come down and represent them too.”