Reds extend Vaiuta Latu contract to 2027

The Queensland Reds have confirmed that promising back-row forward Vaiuta Latu has signed a contract extension that keeps him with the club through to the end of the 2027 season.

The 20-year-old made a strong impression late last year, featuring in Super Rugby Pacific and making his Reds debut in a match against Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.

Known for his powerful ball-carrying and physical presence, Latu’s performances earned him a place in the Reds’ 2026 squad and now a longer-term future with the franchise.

A product of the Reds Academy and St Peters Lutheran College, Latu was a late inclusion at No. 8 in Queensland’s opening Super Rugby AUS fixture last September at Ballymore.

In that game, he made 13 carries for 74 metres, scored a try and set up another, showcasing his potential as a ball-carrying forward.

His extension arrives at a time when Reds captain Harry Wilson is expected to miss time following knee surgery.

“I played in a winning second grade grand final with Brothers and a few weeks later I was in the deep end playing Super Rugby AUS and against the Wild Knights,” Latu said.

“Obviously, the speed to the game is a lot quicker.

“All the work I’ve done in off-season training with the squad makes the next step not look as big.

“I’m nervous but it’s good nervous about striving to play as many Super Rugby Pacific games as I can this season and against some big names.”