The lucrative sacrifice and burning ambition behind Wallabies’ huge coup

Fraser McReight has shunned the chance to earn millions overseas to ink a long-term extension with Australian rugby, revealing the desire to lift the World Cup trophy on his home soil as the primary motivation.

A day after Reds and Test teammate Matt Faessler inked a two-year extension through to the end of 2027, McReight was announced as the greatest coup of the Wallabies’ retention drive on a three-year deal until the end of 2028.

Fraser McReight looms as the most pressing priority retention for Australian Rugby.Credit: Getty Images

Reports emerged that several Japanese outfits were plotting to lure the star No.7 with lucrative offers. But after seeing the strides the Wallabies took on last year’s Spring Tour, McReight planted his feet.

“There were definitely other offers, and they were heavily considered. I think for me, what’s important is how I become a better rugby player, and I think that’s here,” McReight said.

“A lot of my mates play here and have re-signed, and I think being home in front of my family and friends is important. I’m only 26, I’ve still got so much rugby left in me, and I’ll just be entering my prime when this contract is done and who knows where I’ll be then.

“A home World Cup here in Australia is once in a lifetime, and obviously that’s very special. But when you’re deciding, you kind of have to take that away, do the pros and cons, and figure out what’s important for me, my partner, my family.

“I think could see what happened with that Spring Tour, things were able to click quite nicely, and that’s just due to time together in the saddle. Look at all the boys who have re-signed as well, they’re people who have played 20 or 30 Tests, and we’re starting to come together.”

McReight also said part of his decision was fuelled by a desire to build a legacy at the Queensland Reds, and take them back to the powerhouse days of the 1990s – winning two titles and five minor premierships.

Earlier, Reds chief executive David Hanham said the game was in a strong position to retain McReight, declaring “you’ve got three of the best years ahead of us, so I think if things can get sorted out the way we all would like he’s got a long career here, and he’s been clear on that as well.”

Matt Faessler has re-signed with the Reds and Rugby Australia until the end of 2027.Credit: Getty Images

On the same day Test hooker Faessler inked a two-year extension to remain in Australia, Brumbies star Nick Frost signed for the same length, taking the pair through to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

They join national captain Harry Wilson and locks Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Jeremy Williams in extending their contracts this year, while halfback Tate McDermott, Rob Valetini, Angus Bell, Allan Alaalatoa and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are confirmed 2027 signings.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Dylan Pietsch were reported to have signed “long-term” and “multi-year” deals respectively in 2024.

Upon announcing his contract extension with the Reds and Rugby Australia on Thursday, Faessler implored McReight to ensure he remained a focal point of the country’s long-term ambitions, but refused to weigh in on whether overseas offers came his way.

“I think we’re building a nice crew that’s staying together who have played a lot of games together here in Queensland,” Faessler said.

“Queensland’s home for me. I grew up supporting the team and was born and raised here, so it was a pretty straightforward decision for me.”

The future of other off contract Wallabies – including five-eighth Noah Lolesio, fullback Tom Wright and prop Taniela Tupou – may hinge on who takes over Joe Schmidt as Wallabies’ head coach at the end of the year.

Queensland coach Les Kiss, who served as Schmidt’s assistant with Ireland, is thought to be a frontrunner for the job, despite being contracted at the Reds until the end of 2026.

His forthcoming Waratahs rival Dan McKellar and Brumbies mentor Stephen Larkham are also hotly in the race.

Reds coach Les Kiss has been touted as a natural successor to Joe Schmidt at the Wallabies.Credit: Getty

When asked if he was prepared to lose Kiss, Hanham said he was unwilling to speculate on who Schmidt’s successor may be, but believed the club would know in the coming weeks.

“Les has been open about the process and what’s going on, and for me, it shows we’ve got a great coach,” Hanham said.

“Let’s let that run, but from my perspective I know we’ve got a world-class coach, so if Les has those aspirations those things can take their course over the next two or three weeks.”

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