Former All Blacks prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen has been re-signed for 2026 to keep channelling his top-level forward play and experience into the Queensland Reds.
The Queensland Rugby Union is today delighted to announce the signing to retain the strong attributes that Toomaga-Allen has delivered in 25 games for the club to date.
Toomaga-Allen, 34, has played more than 200 games at the top level since his 2012 Super Rugby debut with the Hurricanes. His ability to compete at the coalface in the front-row while also offering mentorship within the Reds squad are valuable assets.
“Being an elder man of the club now, I feel like it’s always good to have that experience around. I see how important it is whether I play or I’m contributing off the field,” Toomaga-Allen said.
“It’s really important to get that camaraderie, the family-type vibe around the team and impart some knowledge and wisdom where I can.
“I really like playing under Les (Kiss) and his management so it was an easy decision. I know my family and I are settled here and like it in Brisbane.”
Toomaga-Allen’s positive influence around the Reds’ younger props, Zane Nonggorr, Massimo De Lutiis, George Blake, Trevor King and Nick Bloomfield, is highly regarded.
“I’ll also say I’m not here to babysit. I’m here to compete for a starting spot and the best way I can make guys like Zane and ‘Mass’ better is to bring my best every week to keep them honest,” Toomaga-Allen said.
“I’ll have those hard convos when they need to happen and have an arm on the shoulder when that needs to happen.”
Born in Wellington, the 192cm prop played more than 100 games for the Hurricanes before expanding his rugby resume in Europe with Wasps and Ulster.
The honour of playing for the All Blacks was earned in 2013 when he played against Japan in Tokyo. He returned to the All Blacks squad in 2017, featuring against the Barbarians on their Spring Tour.
A tighthead prop by trade, Toomaga-Allen’s versatility has been tapped with time at loosehead for the Reds this season. It has made him an invaluable factor from the bench when used that way.
“I look at the impact of our bench over the last month, the type of players and the influence they are having. I’ve always been a clubman so it is always about what benefits the team,” Toomaga-Allen said.
The stalwart prop said Saturday night’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium for the QRU's Indigenous Round would be a major challenge.
“Man, it always is against the Drua because of the offloads, the miracle balls, when they come at you with their brand of excitement,” Toomaga-Allen said.
“Sometimes, it can feel like a trap that opponents fall into by trying to play that way as well. We have to play our game. It’s a huge challenge as the last game of the round-robin season and that’s what we are excited about.”
Toomaga-Allen said having his young son Spencer watching him play was a privilege and being involved in the game for as long as he has.
“My oldest son just loves being around the game. I could be digging holes or flipping burgers. Neither are a bad thing but it’s a privilege and honour to do what I do. That always grounds me,” he said.
Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said Toomaga-Allen's continued presence is a major positive for the Reds.
"Jeffery has had an incredible influence, not only on our young props but all our younger players with his professionalism and willingness to share his experiences," Kiss said.
"Personally, I see Jeffery as one of the most generous players I've worked with. It's fantastic to have him on board at the Reds."
Position: Prop
Height: 192cm
Weight: 125kg
Born: 19/11/1990
Place of birth: Wellington, New Zealand
School: Wellington College
Club: Norths
Super Rugby debut: 2012 v Stormers, Cape Town (Hurricanes)
Super Rugby caps: 138 (Hurricanes 117; Reds 21)
Queensland Reds caps: 25
Queensland Reds debut: 2023 v Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, Brisbane
All Blacks debut: 2013 v Japan, Tokyo
All Blacks Test caps: 1
Samoa debut: 2023 v Italy, Padua
Samoa Test caps: 3
