Filipo Daugunu signs with Australian rugby to 2027 World Cup in preparation for becoming a father

A new contract, and a new addition to the family awaits Filipo Daugunu, in good news for Australian Rugby and the Wallabies’ 2027 World Cup run.

FILIPO Daugunu has re-signed with Australian rugby until the 2027 World Cup, bolstering the Wallabies’ outside back stocks while ensuring he and wife Leleana have family support as they await the arrival of their first child.

The Queensland Reds star has inked a two-year extension, while his first child is due in August.

“I’m happy, blessed, it’s great to stay in Brissy with the Reds for two more years,“ Daugunu said.

“Brisbane, the Reds, are my home. I always say it’s home for me because it’s where professional rugby started for me.

Filipo Daugunu will stay with the Reds another two years. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

“A baby is on the way in August. For me to stay for two more years makes me happy and my wife as well.

“It works together. Being happy off the field, you perform better on the field.”

Daugunu said the upcoming British & Irish Lions series has been a goal.

“I’d love to be involved, the most important thing is to play well for the Reds and get the two wins at home heading into finals and hopefully that puts me in a good position,“ Daugunu said.

“The Lions is a tour that happens only once every 12 years so it’s a series you want to be involved in. It’s part of my focus. It would be special.”

In Daugunu’s nine games for the Reds this season he has six tries and try assists.

Daugunu is playing at 101kg for the more physical game he plays at outside centre after first playing for the Reds as an 89kg winger in 2018.

Wallabies star Filipo Daugunu and wife Leleana are preparing to welcome their first child in August, prompting him to re-sign with Australian rugby.

Daugunu has committed to the Wallabies for the 2027 World Cup run. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

He has played 11 Tests for Australia since debuting in the 2020 Bledisloe Cup.

In further good news for the Wallabies, prop Allan Alaalatoa has avoided long-term injury after hobbling off in last weekend’s win over the Reds, sparking fears he may be in danger of missing the Lions series.

Alaalatoa underwent a scan with Garran Medical Imaging that showed a low grade calf strain, which should see him return in the next couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, legendary backrower Toutai Kefu will coach the First Nations & Pasifika XV side to play the Lions in Melbourne, and is immensely proud to represent his heritage in this landmark match.

“We want to represent all of the Polynesian players who have gone before us and have had active involvement with rugby in Australia for whenever it started,” Kefu said.

Rugby player Toutai Kefu at Australia Wallabies training 24 Jun 2002. broken hand

“My family was one of the first Polynesian families to come to Brisbane way back in the late 70s.

“And I’m sure everyone before the other players would have a similar story about how they came about to be in Australia. We’ve all got similar stories. So just to represent not only our family and our heritage, but all the players that have played rugby, super rugby, professional rugby in Australia.”

Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss has been appointed to lead the AUNZ Invitational team against the Lions.

Kiss will get to take on the Lions twice on this tour, given he will also coach his Queensland Reds side against them, but will get to work with international stars in the Invitational trans-Tasman match to be played at Adelaide Oval.

Rugby Australia is working on insurance clearance to secure the likes of All Blacks Richie Mo’unga and Aaron Smith for the game, which will be played on July 12, one week before the first Test in Brisbane, which is likely to see the Lions field their strongest team.

Kefu, who is coaching in Japan, played for the Wallabies when they defeated the Lions in the 2001 series, and has previously been head coach of Tonga for seven years.

Wallabies Toutai Kefu (ball) during third test of Australia v British & Irish Lions series at Sydney's Stadium Australia at Homebush, 2001. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Rugby Union A/CT

Kefu’s team will be made of first nations and Australian-based Pasifika players, to play the Lions in between the first and second Tests at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on July 22.

Kiss will be joined by former All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who was confirmed as a member of the management team weeks ago.

“It’s a privilege to be able to lead the coaching group for the combined AUNZ Invitational XV,” Kiss said.

“The British & Irish Lions are one of world sport’s most renowned teams and to be able to play them at an iconic Australian venue such as the Adelaide Oval will be an incredible spectacle.

“I’m looking forward to working with a coach like Ian who has wide-ranging experience at the highest level of the game and linking up with the wider management in due course.”

Originally published as Filipo Daugunu signs with Australian rugby to 2027 World Cup in preparation for becoming a father