News

Reds sign two Australian youngsters

May 23 2008

Australian U20 squad lock Rob Simmons and hooker James Hanson have signed with the Queensland Reds for 2009-10.

Hanson was a member of the Reds Academy squad in 2008 and Simmons was on a one year rookie deal with the Reds. Both are members of the Australian U20 squad to play in the IRB Junior World Championship in Wales next month.

QRU Performance Rugby Manager Ben Whitaker said the signing of Hanson and Simmons continued the Reds' policy of bringing talented young players along a development pathway that prepares them for the rigours of professional rugby.

"Rob was part of the Reds squad this year and, although he is still very young, he's shown us that he has the mental strength and toughness to go with his size and natural talents," said Whitaker.

"With another off-season of athletic development under his belt we'd expect to see him getting some game time in Super 14 in 2009."

"James has benefited greatly from his time in the Academy and a stint with the Melbourne Rebels in last year's Australian Rugby Championship. Coming into the Reds' squad as one of three contracted hookers, James will have the opportunity to enhance his development even further.

"Playing in the U20 World Championship will also be tremendously beneficial for both of them, and the Reds view this international experience as a key to their professional development," Whitaker added.

The signings follow last week's news that pacy centre/wing Blair Connor - another U20 squad selection - has graduated from the Reds Academy to the full Reds squad on a two-year deal.