The Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia are delighted to confirm that powerful prop Massimo De Lutiis has been re-signed on a three-year deal through 2029.
At 22, De Lutiis is at the forefront of a fresh wave of front-row talent at the Queensland Reds and in Australian rugby. His re-signing comes just 24 hours after the announcement that Wallabies and Reds tighthead Zane Nonggorr has committed for the same period.
De Lutiis' education as a prop for the Reds has included 15 matches since late 2023 and training with a group of Test-toughened front-rowers.
His potential saw him called up for his second Wallabies camp in January after his initial steps in the national set-up with the Australia Under-20s (2023) and Australia A (2024).
"I definitely feel like a weight has been lifted with this decision. Now I'm locked in, I can focus on the next three years in Australia," De Lutiis said.
"I know the Reds and the Wallabies have the world-class coaches who are really good for young tightheads and their development."
De Lutiis declined an offer from Irish rugby and the Ulster club in finalising his decision.
"I had a lot to weigh up. I spent a good week or two going through it and it was a bit stressful," De Lutiis said.
"Family, knowing Australia and what it is like here...they were two big deciding factors.
"'Did I want to be potentially playing in front of family and friends at a home World Cup next year?' I asked myself that question as well. Even if I don't, it would be amazing to be around a tournament like that with the huge support that's out there."
De Lutiis said the supportive peer environment he has experienced at the Reds and in Wallabies camps was significant in reaching his decision.
"I talked to some older boys at the Reds like Lukhan (Salakaia-Loto) and Jeffery (Toomaga-Allen), who have gone over to Europe to play. They gave me a good insight into what it would be like and what I would be leaving," De Lutiis said.
"I've been invited into two Wallabies camps. I remember getting the first invitation by email and thinking it must be a mistake.
"I wondered how I'd fit in with all the big dogs but I got nothing but amazing support and learnt so much.
"You can always improve and that's what I want to be doing over the next three years. I know the scrum is the No.1 priority for a tighthead and I'll also be working on my whole game, running, ball skills, the whole thing."
De Lutiis, a product of The Southport School, is on track to re-enter selection contention at the Reds in coming weeks after diligent rehab on a hamstring injury.
De Lutiis asserted himself with a huge scrum shunt for a tighthead win in the final minute of his Reds debut in 2023 against Japan's Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights at Ballymore Stadium.
"'Mass' has impressed me since before my first game as Reds coach that day," Kiss said.
"Despite challenges with injury, he's a committed professional and he's only going to get better and better with his ambitions for Queensland and Australian rugby.
"He's an important and respected figure in the Reds locker room."
Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne said: “Massimo is a powerful tighthead with a bright future ahead of him.
"At just 22, he has demonstrated strong potential for the Reds, Australia A and the Australia U20s and has been included in two Wallabies camps.
“Massimo has been the subject of interest from overseas clubs and unions, and we are delighted he has chosen to commit to the Reds and Australian Rugby for the next three years.
“We look forward to Massimo returning to full fitness for the Reds and deepening the front row depth within Australian Rugby.”
Position: Prop
Height: 190cm
Weight: 129kg
Born: 18/11/2003, Sydney
Senior Club: Wests
School: The Southport School
Junior Club: Surfers Paradise Dolphins
Queensland Reds debut: 2023 vs Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, Brisbane
Reds Caps: 15
Reds Number: 1391
Australia A: 2024 v England A, London
