Influential winger-centre Filipo Daugunu has been re-signed on a new two-year deal in a major positive for the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia.
The Queensland Rugby Union and RA are delighted to today announce that Daugunu has been locked in until the end of Rugby World Cup year in 2027.
It's a real positive ahead of the fourth-placed Reds meeting the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night in SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific.
The 30-year-old returned to Ballymore ahead of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season and has been in outstanding form.
He has shown his versatility and power on the wing and at outside centre in nine games as a starter for the Reds this season.
He leads the team for line breaks (eight), has scored six tries and displayed his range of skills with pick-and-drive tries close to the forwards, cross-field kicks to set up tries and the speed to finish chances himself.
Born in Fiji, Daugunu moved to Brisbane for the 2017 season and was a standout for Queensland Country in the National Rugby Championship before being called up to the Reds squad to make his Super Rugby debut in 2018.
He made his Test debut in 2020, scoring against New Zealand in the drawn match in Wellington and going on to feature in five Tests during a COVID-19 affected campaign.
The popular Daugunu burst back onto the Test scene under Joe Schmidt last year, scoring two unforgettable tries against Wales in Melbourne before an injury against South Africa in Brisbane prematurely ended his 2024 season.
Daugunu has pulled on the gold jersey in 11 Tests and has represented the Queensland Reds on 80 occasions, including 78 Super Rugby Pacific matches.
He joins a significant list of key players who have this year re-committed to Australian Rugby until the home Rugby World Cup in 2027, including fellow Reds Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
Daugunu, Wallaby No.931 and Queensland Red No.1324, said he is delighted to have his future in Australia settled with his aim always being to remain in Brisbane.
“I'm happy, blessed. It’s great to stay in Brissy with the Reds for two more years," Daugunu said.
"Brisbane, the Reds, are my home. I always say it’s home for me because it’s where professional rugby started for me."
Daugunu said the upcoming British and Irish Lions series has been a goal.
“I’d love to be involved. The most important thing is to play well for the Reds and get the two wins at home heading into finals and hopefully that puts me in a good position," Daugunu said.
“The Lions is a tour that happens only once every 12 years so it’s a series you want to be involved in. It’s part of my focus. It would be special."
Daugunu revealed it is more than playing strong rugby that is putting a smile on his face.
“A baby is on the way in August. For me to stay for two more years makes me happy and my wife as well," Daugunu said.
"It works together...being happy off the field, you perform better on the field."
Daugunu's versatilty as a winger and outside centre is highly prized as is the physical presence of his 101kg frame.
Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said: "Filipo is an outstanding person in our locker room. On top of the versatility and presence he has brought to the backline this year, his experience is highly valued."
Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne said: “Filipo has been in great form for Queensland during this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season and we’re pleased he has re-committed to Australian Rugby for a further two years.
“His versatility is a real positive in his game and we’re looking forward to continuing to watch him work hard with the Reds.”
Position: Winger-Centre
Height: 181cm
Weight: 101kg
Born: 04/03/1995
Birthplace: Labasa, Fiji
Senior Club: Sunnybank
School: Dogotuki District School, Fiji
Queensland Reds debut: 2018 v Rebels, Melbourne
Queensland Reds caps: 80
Super Rugby caps: 90 (Reds 78, Rebels 12)
Super Rugby points: 175 (Reds 150: 28 tries, 2 cons, 2 pens), (Rebels 25: 5 tries) Tests: 11
