Reds skipper Tate McDermott to remain with Queensland next year

Reds captain Tate McDermott ‘loves’ playing for Queensland, and will continue to do so next year after rejecting the chance to ply his trade abroad.

Reds captain Tate McDermott has rejected the chance to play his club football abroad next year, preferring to stay with Queensland in a move that has delighted Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.

As part of his current contract, McDermott could have a taken an overseas sabbatical in 2026 before returning the following year ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

However, the 26-year-old halfback can’t get enough of playing for the Reds, who host Fijian Drua in a Super Rugby Pacific clash at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Reds and Wallabies stars Tate McDermott (left) and Fraser McReight (right) met with national coach Joe Schmidt at Suncorp Stadium on Friday. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images for Rugby Australia

“It came back to what was important for me, and while there was a little bit of interest, I love playing for Queensland,” McDermott said.

“I’m in a position where I’ve played over 100 games for Queensland. I love wearing that maroon jersey and I’m stoked I’ll be here again next year.”

“We’ve created an environment there where players are getting better every day. For me, that’s what I want to keep doing. I want to keep getting better and I want to win more with Queensland.”

Schmidt said it was a “bonus” for Australian rugby that McDermott would not be heading overseas.

“To have (players) continuously (in Australia), it’s a huge advantage,” the Wallabies mentor said.

“It just allows them to build not only within their Super Rugby team but to be at Wallabies gatherings.

“It just gives you continuity to catch up with Tate, or to talk to Tate’s coaches about how he’s going. It’s a lot more difficult if players are overseas.”

Originally published as Reds skipper Tate McDermott to remain with Queensland next year