Reds sign teenage lock Kaiya Tafea

Queensland Reds have signed teenage lock Kaiya Tafea on a three-year development deal, giving the 16-year-old a high-performance pathway at Ballymore.

Kaiya Tafea Signs Queensland Reds Deal

Tafea is already one of the most physically imposing young players in Australian rugby. The Southport School product stands 2.04m tall and weighs 125kg, despite being only 16 and in his third season of regular rugby.

The Queensland Rugby Union, in partnership with Rugby Australia, has secured Tafea on a development deal that will allow him to continue building his skills in the Reds system.

Queensland Reds Back Young Lock Talent

Tafea moved into rugby after a background in rugby league and has developed strongly through The Southport School programme.

He represented Queensland Under-15s last year and played for Queensland Under-18s this year. His development will now include access to coaching at Ballymore, the BMS National Rugby Training Centre, the Buildcorp Reds Academy and Reds Under-18 playing opportunities.

Ballymore Pathway For Tafea

Tafea said he was excited to see what was possible over the next three years but understood there was still plenty to learn.

“It feels good. I can’t wait to see what’s possible over the next three years and I’m looking forward to the hard work it will take,” Tafea said.

“I want to make a name for myself in rugby but I know there’s a lot to learn and plenty of improvements to make.”

Reds Head of Talent Management Paul Carozza said Tafea had shown great promise after coming through the Reds Under-15 system last year.

"Kaiya was in our system last year with the Reds U15s and he shows great promise," Carozza said.

"We are really pleased he has committed to the program over the next three years to continue his development."