Queensland Reds complete unbeaten pre-season tour of United Kingdom with win over Ulster

The Reds don’t want to waste their good work on a successful pre-season tour of the United Kingdom when they kick-off their Super Rugby Pacific season later this month.

A successful pre-season tour of the United Kingdom will count for nothing if Queensland loses its Super Rugby Pacific opener against Moana Pasifika on February 21 at Suncorp Stadium.

That was the message from Reds star and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson after Queensland’s 38-31 win over Ulster in Belfast on Saturday morning (AEDT).

The victory came a week after the Reds thrashed Bristol 82-21 in the opening game of their two-match tour.

“We’re really excited to earn two wins over here, but we know it means nothing come our first game at Suncorp Stadium,” said Wilson, before adding that it had been a “special tour”.

“It’s very cool to wear the Queensland jersey on the world stage. and it’s not something many teams get to do.

“All of the Wallabies boys who returned to pre-season were just so excited to get back in the Queensland group and rip in, and touring this time of the year has been awesome for our connection.

“We’re excited to see where we can go this year.”

Fighting right until the end 💪 It's a Queensland thing pic.twitter.com/3ThStKmMhf

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) February 7, 2025

Reds centre Hunter Paisami said the physical nature of the clash in Belfast was ideal ahead of Moana Pasifika’s visit to Brisbane.

“It was good to come up against a quality team (with) big men who gave it to us all game,” Paisami said.

“Our game management was crucial to allow us to play our game, which has been a big focus for us this pre-season.

“Knowing that we are coming up against another really physical team in Moana next, tonight was the ideal preparation for that challenge.

“They really tested our physicality, and we will learn plenty from this.”

Tim Ryan scored two of Queensland’s six tries, with fellow winger Heremaia Murray, hooker Matt Faessler. captain Tate McDermott and No.8 Wilson also crossing the line for five-pointers.

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, who started at flyhalf, and his replacement Tom Lynagh each kicked two conversions.

Reds coach Les Kiss urged fans to get behind Queensland this year.

“They will see a team that will fight for every inch, and they will see a team that works hard and tries to play the most aggressive style of attacking rugby that we can,” Kiss said.

Originally published as Queensland Reds complete unbeaten pre-season tour of United Kingdom with win over Ulster