Overview
- Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia confirmed a multi-year extension for 22-year-old tighthead prop Massimo De Lutiis, keeping him in Australia through 2029.
- De Lutiis turned down approaches from the Irish union and Ulster, citing family ties and the pull of a potential home World Cup environment.
- Injuries have limited him to nine Super Rugby games since late 2023, yet he has already featured in two Wallabies camps and represented Australia U20 and Australia A.
- He is recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to return for Les Kiss’s Reds in the coming weeks.
- A tighthead prop anchors the right side of the scrum, and officials say retaining De Lutiis alongside fellow young Red Zane Nonggorr strengthens a position of need for Australia.