Utility back Ben Lucas parts ways with Queensland Reds, exploring options in Japanese club rugby

UTILITY back Ben Lucas is exploring contract chances in Japan now his big-hearted contribution to the Queensland Reds is over after 74 matches.

Ben Lucas of the Reds injured during the Super Rugby match between the Queensland Reds and the New South Wales Waratahs. Pic Darren England.

UTILITY back Ben Lucas is exploring contract chances in Japan now his big-hearted contribution to the Queensland Reds is over after 74 matches.

The seven-season veteran’s name was missing last Friday when the Reds announced a shake-up and the players they had re-signed for next year.

Unable to reach terms, Lucas, 26, will be a catch for a new club with his ability to play flyhalf, halfback and fullback plus play above his weight as a committed defender.

With Lucas recently undergoing minor ankle surgery, experienced Matt Brandon and rookie James Tuttle will share flyhalf duties for Queensland Country in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.

The pair face Canberra in Canberra on Saturday.

Nick Frisby and returning Wallaby Will Genia will share the halfback role for Brisbane City in Saturday’s top of the table clash against Melbourne Rising at Ballymore from 3pm.

The alert Frisby was a standout as man of the match for City when they trumped Perth last Sunday.

It was Frisby’s long pass that put prop Pettowa Paraka over for a rare try.

Originally published as Utility back Ben Lucas parts ways with Queensland Reds, exploring options in Japanese club rugby