Seven members of the Australia XV heading to the United Kingdom will warm up with Queensland in a two-match tour to Japan starting later this week – but a big name is missing from the squad.
Suliasi Vunivalu, who was snubbed for both the Wallabies and Australian XV teams announced on Tuesday, will not travel.
News Corp reported that it follows offers on the table from NRL clubs and French rugby clubs. The report speculated that Vunivalu could be granted an early release from his deal, which expires next year.
Vunivalu was a big-money signing from rugby league and while not quite at the same level of expectation as Joesph-Aukuso Suaalii was expected to have a much bigger impact than he has in the XV-man game.
Eddie Jones pulled out a cattle prod in a bid to kick start the winger’s Test career but ultimatley threw in the towel on him, as Dave Rennie had before him.
His Reds coach Les Kiss also dropped Vunivalu as Tim Ryan exploded onto the scene.
On Tuesday Schmidt was asked if any players had opted out of the northern tour. He said he had only spoken to players not selected to inform them why.
The Reds will take 29 players to Japan for their doubleheader against Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights – the team coached by Robbie Deans.
Sunday’s clash against the Wild Knights will be played with extended benches, behind closed doors, before the feature game on Monday, November 4 for the Saitama-Queensland Shield.
Seven Reds (Tom Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Josh Nasser, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial and Massimo De Lutiis) will travel to Europe after the second match to join the Australia XV squad for games against Bristol and England A.
Shaun Anderson (GPS), Sebastian Hanna (Brothers), Kohan Herbert (Souths) and Hamish Muller (Brothers) have been included after an impressive training month with the Reds following strong performances in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup.
Winger Matt Brice (University of Queensland) has also earned a spot after his progress through the Buildcorp Reds Academy. Brice is a former Noosa Dolphins player identified through the Queensland Country pathway.
The five players from Brisbane club rugby all have the chance to make a Reds debut on tour while Crusaders outside back Heremaia Murray, 24, will tour as a player of interest.
Murray played three times for the Super Rugby franchise in 2024.
“This is a good, solid squad with a real focus which the players have shown with their hard work over the past month,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said in a statement.
“That’s been essential to prepare for the great competitive relationship we have with the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.
“We value the history our two clubs have developed and the opportunity this creates for both clubs to look at exciting talent hungry for chances.”
Kiss said he was delighted to reward newcomers spotted during the Hospital Cup season and in the Reds Academy.
“We have been watching the club competition and Academy group closely to know these players have qualities,” Kiss said.
“Kohan is a genuine No.7 and leader for Souths, Hamish is a good option covering the backrow and lock, Shaun is a physical and fast outside back, Bas has picked things up really quickly at training and Matt made a clear case with his impressive training.”
