Wallabies lock pens new long-term deal with Rugby Australia

Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has today signed a new four-year deal to remain with the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies through 2023.

Rodda joins fellow Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad members Michael Hooper, Allan Alaalatoa, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou and Jordan Petaia in committing long-term to Australian Rugby during 2019.

 Rodda is also the tenth player to have now re-signed long-term deals with the Reds following the recent announcements of Taniela Tupou (2023), Tate McDermott (2023), Fraser McReight (2023), Angus Blyth (2023), Alex Mafi (2022), Harry Wilson (2023), Harry Hoopert (2022), Hamish Stewart (2022) and Jordan Petaia (2022).

It also follows Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young, Bryce Hegarty, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Feao Fotuaika and Chris Feauai-Sautia all re-committing with Queensland for next season and beyond.

The imposing lock has been locked down as a key member of the national setup and will look to cement his role with the Wallabies during the 2019 tournament in Japan through to the next Rugby World Cup in France.

Growing up on the far north NSW coast, Rodda has notched 21 Tests since completing a meteoric rise to the international arena in 2017 after a barnstorming maiden Vodafone Super Rugby season with the Reds.

The 23-year-old started every match in the Wallabies’ 2018 campaign and was again at the forefront during the 2019 winter ahead of his selection in the 31-man squad for Japan.

Rodda has also established himself as a leader in Queensland after he was handed the Reds captaincy against the Chiefs in Hamilton during the 2019 Vodafone Super Rugby season in the absence of regular skipper, Samu Kerevi.

The Ipswich Grammar product now has 27 matches under his belt with the Reds and joins a host of exciting youngsters who have recently committed to Brad Thorn’s side.

Wallabies lock Izack Rodda said: “It all started for me in Queensland, so it was a no-brainer to stay there for another four years.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds for this Reds team. We’ve all been together through that Queensland pathway. We’ve all come through together at U20s level and then progressed to NRC and then some made their Super Rugby debuts earlier than others, but we’re all now that same crew who went through with U20s.

“We’re all very close mates. There are good friendships there and we’re just going to keep building and looking forward to how we go as a team. I’ve been loving my time at the Reds creating friendships and it’s been great to learn under Thorny being an ex-second rower who’s helped my game.

“It’s good to confirm and announce this before the World Cup starts this week so I can shift my focus on the Wallabies, but definitely excited and honoured to re-sign with Australian Rugby and the Reds for another four years,” Rodda said.