The Queensland Rugby Union and Benetton Rugby have today announced a progressive partnership which will see four Reds players join the leading Italian club on secondment.
The temporary transfer of Josh Flook, John Bryant, Richie Asiata and Louis Werchon to the Treviso-based club is to be the start of an exciting union with benefits for both clubs.
Across three months, the quartet will be exposed to high-level fixtures in the United Rugby Championship in Europe and the different game styles of the clubs involved.
The partnership will extend to the Queensland Reds making a first-time visit to Treviso to play against Benetton Rugby in November, 2026.
It will be a landmark as the first time since 1980 that the Reds have played a match in Italy which also creates the prospect of organising another opponent as another link in the tour.
The partnership blossomed after an initial introduction earlier this year through Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, who won a championship with both the Reds (1994) and Benetton Treviso (1991-92).
Sam Cordingley, the Queensland Reds General Manager, High Performance, and Antonio Pavanello, General Manager of Benetton Rugby, started discussions in January in Treviso when the Reds were on their pre-season tour of Europe.
“The connection was made through Michael Lynagh. Right from the start, we have felt a genuine will to create opportunities that can benefit two proud clubs and two strong brands,” Cordingley said.
“Michael’s history with Benetton Rugby and as a 100-game legend with the Reds makes this unique. Obviously, Michael’s son Tom plays for the Reds and brother Louis plays for Benetton Rugby.
“In my conversations with Antonio, we have talked through all things URC and Benetton Rugby and where the needs and opportunities lie for both clubs. Mutual benefits will drive this partnership.
“The wonderful experiences through secondments like this will not only support player development, with more matches outside Super Rugby, but also retention. The players will also add depth in key positions at Benetton Rugby.
“We want to be a club that leverages the appeal of rugby as an international game through strong partnerships with Benetton Rugby and Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, overseas tours and unique player-staff experiences.
“Rather than players leaving the club to experience chances like this, we are creating something unique while they are still Reds players with secondments at a famous club in a beautiful part of Italy.
“We hope to be creating fixtures and opportunities with Benetton Rugby long into the future.”
Centre Flook, backrower Bryant, hooker Asiata and halfback Werchon will fly out in July and return in October which means they will be available to play in the opening rounds of the URC in late September-October.
During this period, all players will remain eligible for international selection as a stipulation of the secondment.
Pavanello said: "We are extremely proud to announce this partnership with a club of such historical and technical value as the Queensland Reds.
"This collaboration represents an important step for us in an ambitious and long-term growth path. The arrival of four players from a prestigious competition like Super Rugby allows us to further raise the overall quality of our squad and measure ourselves against a dynamic, high-paced style of rugby, rich in technical content.
"The integration will take place at a crucial moment in the season when the team will have to deal with the partial or total unavailability of international players due to their commitments and the mandatory rest periods that follow.
"The addition of these four Australian profiles will help maintain a high level of squad depth and competition, strengthen various roles and ensure consistency at training and in matches."
Pavanello said it excites Benetton Treviso that "this project goes far beyond simply adding players."
"It is the shared vision to create an international rugby ecosystem capable of generating value, growth and new opportunities for players, staff and fans alike," Pavanello said.
"The chance to exchange knowledge and methodologies between the technical staffs of the two franchises will be a strategic element, enriching our coaches' preparation and evolve our sporting offering.
"The 2026 match in Treviso will be a historic event, sealing a shared path built on common values and the desire to build a bridge between the Southern Hemisphere and Europe.
"We want to create something lasting...and this is just the beginning."
For Bryant, 22, this will expand his rugby horizons and life experiences in general.
“I’m super excited. It’s huge to get an opportunity with a major European club,” Bryant said.
“I’ve been fortunate in my time at the Reds to have opportunities to play Wales, Tonga, tour for games against Bristol and Ulster and, recently, play the British and Irish Lions.
“It’s awesome what the Reds are doing with more international opportunities. I’m glad to be part of it and it’s going to be really cool playing at Benetton Rugby.
“I’m learning different skills and ways to play the game with these chances…and I love my pasta. I can’t wait.”
