The Queensland Rugby Union can confirm the departure of Peni Ravai, Cormac Daly and Connor Anderson after their diligent efforts in the 2024 season.
The trio were valued members of the Queensland Reds squad and depart with positive wishes for their rugby futures from coaches and players alike.
“Peni, Cormac and Connor were all important members of the Reds squad who have more to give in rugby. They leave the Reds with best wishes for the future,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.
Fijian international prop Peni Ravai, 34, has elected to join the Fijian Drua for the next Super Rugby Pacific season.
This follows two seasons and 27 games as an integral member of the Reds front-row.
His form last year gave him his springboard into a strong 2023 World Cup for Fiji.
“I really enjoyed my time at the Reds playing Super Rugby for the first time. I was weighing up retirement before I came to the club last year and it gave me the chance to play at another World Cup,” Ravai said.
“You only play the game once so I want to keep going with an opportunity at the Drua.
“I want to credit Dr Neil (Stevenson) and Karl (Denvir), the physio, for getting me on the field each week.
“I enjoyed the attacking style of the Reds and the teaching of the basics that made that possible.
“Seeing young boys like John Bryant, Zane Nonggorr and George Blake up close, I know they are going to be big players for the Reds in seasons to come.”
Daly’s nine-game stint for the Reds was bigger than anything the Irish lock imagined after playing club rugby in Sydney in 2023.
He has decided to accept a spot with Yokohama Canon Eagles in Japan where former Wallaby Matt Philip and Springboks Faf de Klerk and Jesse Kriel are on the books.
“It’s a tough decision to leave. I have had a brilliant time at the Reds and my game has advanced by leaps and bounds thanks to the world-class coaches,” Daly said.
“I’m one who wants to experience different cultures and Japan is the next.
“I will leave with some absolute highlights like being part of the win over the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’ll be cheering on the Reds from Japan and hoping they can win the whole thing in 2025.” Backrower Anderson is another who is taking up an opportunity in Japan with the Chugoku Red Regulions.
The 2022 Wests’ premiership skipper played six times for the Reds in 2023-24, three times at Super Rugby level, twice against the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights and briefly off the bench against Wales in July.
“Earning my first contract with the Reds has been a really good opportunity to experience what it’s like being a professional player. I’ve definitely been able to add to my game,” Anderson said.
