Wallabies lock Izack Rodda re-signs with Reds through to the end of 2020
EMERGING Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has re-signed with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds for two more seasons.
Wallabies
Don't miss out on the headlines from Wallabies. Followed categories will be added to My News.
EMERGING Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has re-signed with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds for two more seasons.
Rodda, who has won 10 caps and started in the last eight Tests, is now tied to Australia and the Reds until the end of the 2020 campaign.
The NSW Waratahs were reportedly interested in the 22-year-old second rower, who only broke into the Test team just over 12 months ago.
“I’m very happy to be at the Reds, it’s where I want to be and it’s where my heart is,” Rodda said.
“The Reds gave me my first crack and my first contract.
“I was one year out of school and I haven’t really looked back since.
BERNIE’S BANTER: ‘He struggled as an assistant coach’
TRUE GRIT: Wallabies win shows Cheika still has the players
STRAIGHT FACE: Why Samu was forced to hide during haka
“It’s an unreal program that’s been growing each year and now that Thorny (Reds coach Brad Thorn) is the boss, it’s just going in the right direction as a club and all the players want to be there to keep growing that great vibe.
“Honestly, if you had asked me three years ago where I would be, I wouldn’t have said here with the Wallabies.
“It’s come very fast but I have loved every moment of it. In saying that, I still need to work very hard to keep my spot.
“There’s a lot of competition in my position coming through both the Reds and the Wallabies so it’s going to keep me on my toes.
Get ready for cricket like never before. FREE Sport HD + Entertainment until the first 4K cricket ball as part of 3 months free on a 12 month plan. SIGN UP TODAY. T&Cs apply.
“I want to try get in the World Cup squad then cement a spot in the 23, and hopefully win a World Cup.”
Rodda’s retention is a big boost for Thorn’s plans after also re-signing loose forward Caleb Timu last month.
“He’s developing nicely — both for his state and for his country and has more growth in him over the next couple of seasons,” Thorn said.
“He’s a young man but has a significant voice within this group and will be an important part of it moving forward.”
Originally published as Wallabies lock Izack Rodda re-signs with Reds through to the end of 2020