Izaia Perese has returned to Australian Rugby, signing with the Queensland Reds for two seasons.
It's a homecoming for the centre, debuting in Super Rugby Pacific with the Reds in 2016.
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"I thought my journey was overseas and that was going to be me for the rest of my career. In Australia, in Queensland, is where I want to be and excited is an understatement," Perese said in a statement.
"It's an exciting time for rugby in Australia as a whole. The Rugby World Cup next year is obviously a goal but what comes first is playing good rugby here at the Reds.
"Playing for your country is the pinnacle. All I can do to get back there is solely going to come from doing my job to the best of my ability for Queensland," Perese said.
The former Australian U20s centre spent three years with the Reds before heading overseas to Bayonne after a brief stint in the NRL, eventually signing with the NSW Waratahs.
It's at the Waratahs where the midfielder would break out, making his Wallabies debut in 2021 after a breakout season in the sky blue.
He'd play six games for the Wallabies, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup, departing for Leicester the year afterwards.
“We are pleased to welcome Izaia back to Australian Rugby at a pivotal time for the game," RA Head of High Performance Peter Horne said.
“He is a powerful athlete who is experienced and motivated to contribute to Queensland and the wider Australian system.”
“His signing reflects our focus on strengthening our depth and ensuring our best athletes are playing their rugby here in Australia."
His return is timely for the Reds, with Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook expected to leave at the end of the year.
"It's great to welcome Izzy back to the Reds," Queensland Reds General Manager, High Performance, Sam Cordingley, said.
"He brings a wealth of experience from his time in the French Top 14 and English Premiership so he'll be a great addition to our squad over the next few years."
