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Forgotten Wallabies lock back in World Cup frame after signing with Reds

18 Jul 2022

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Queensland Reds’ second-row stocks have been restored by the acquisition of test lock Luke Jones until 2025.

The 31-year-old, who played the last of his six tests in 2019, will return to Australian rugby from a second stint in France to effectively replace England-bound Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.

Jones played 89 Super Rugby games between 2010-20 for the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels and is fresh off a stint alongside Kurtley Beale at Racing 92 in France’s Top 14.

Boasting playing experience against current Reds coach and former All Blacks lock Brad Thorn, Jones’ pedigree is welcome considering the off-season losses of Salakaia-Loto and hooker Alex Mafi (Melbourne Rebels).

“It’s great to be able to repatriate another Wallaby at the Reds,” Reds football boss Sam Cordingley said of the Sydney product.

“Luke is a great addition to our squad. He’s a very experienced lock with a high work rate, ability to lead a lineout and the versatility to play in the back row.”

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Comments on RugbyPass

JW 12 minutes ago

All Blacks vs France series enhanced by landmark agreement

They have to, its part of their agreement with WR. That’s why theres been so much pressure put on France.

30 Go to comments

JW 13 minutes ago

All Blacks vs France series enhanced by landmark agreement

I think he said his gf was from their or something, regularly travels from london.

30 Go to comments

JW 17 minutes ago

All Blacks vs France series enhanced by landmark agreement

Toulouse have a bunch of second stringers who are Internationals, so it opens up their eligibility now by the sound of it, so lets hope it means we get to see a new name hit the spotlight now. The likes of the midfield have racked up nearly 2k minutes so can’t really see those level of players (many above 1600 minutes) being picked.

30 Go to comments

JW 31 minutes ago

All Blacks vs France series enhanced by landmark agreement

Is that an honest opinion of your chances J Marc, or more a disappointed one?

It would be a shame if U20 players toured. I heard that Tuilagi will tour NZ instead of going to the World Cup, go win a trophy young man!

30 Go to comments

JW 42 minutes ago

All Blacks vs France series enhanced by landmark agreement

Yeah a lot of people have been trying to say a France B side will be the real deal. I’m not so sure about that myself, where you quoting someone in particular who thought it would be a strong team?

Still don’t know why they didn’t give them an extra week before the first test. Can’t remember if that was NZRs idea or not.

30 Go to comments

frandinand 1 hour ago

Why Brumbies could be key to avoiding a Lions tour cricket score

My Wine Merchant obtained 3 dozen of this wine at a steal of a price of $34.99. I limit myself to one bottle a week and it is to die for. I have also tasted their 2023 and 2024 vintages and they are wonderful.

They also have a second tier wine called the Brassknocker and I got three dozen of that recently at would you believe $19.99 a bottle and it knocks the socks off most other Pinots which are 3 times its price.

Hope you can track them down.

A New Zealand pinot noir has been awarded “Best In Show” in the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Central Otago’s McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir 2022 scored an impressive 97 points out of 100.

On the achievement, McArthur Ridge international sales manager Jason Dellaca says: “Our sole focus as a team is to produce the best wines possible from each vintage, and to be globally recognised for this hard work is extremely rewarding for everyone at McArthur Ridge.”

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Cantab 1 hour ago

Crusaders captain backs ‘world-class’ Christian Lio-Willie for All Blacks

Lio Willie certainly played well enough to suggest he would not be out of place in the ABs squad. It has to be recognized however that NZ has a plethora of talented loosies and only 3 can play at any one time.

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Cantab 1 hour ago

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Reds played as well as the Crusaders allowed them to and it was only in the last 15 minutes when the Crusaders were down to 14 players that they were able to actually score a couple of consolation tries. Had this game been played in fine conditions I suspect the winning margin would have been greater.

1 Go to comments

Wiseguy 1 hour ago

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And If it was Dmac they would say he made too many unforced errors.

8 Go to comments

Chiefs Mana 1 hour ago

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

I don’t bemoan him making the move - make some great money, play in a more relaxed environment, have a great cultural experience and get away from the pressure of being an AB 10 which is (unfairly) heavily scrutinised. He was our starting 10 with his favoured coach coming in, he decided to move abroad. Even going as far as saying he’s comfortable never playing for the ABs again so I think that needs to be taken into account.

And in response to your comments about being our best “pure 10”…..of course he is, his competition is Brett Cameron and Harry Plummer.

88 Go to comments

Chiefs Mana 2 hours ago

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

Anything substantial to add?

88 Go to comments

MM 2 hours ago

Crusaders captain backs ‘world-class’ Christian Lio-Willie for All Blacks

I’ve got this GP. Yes, the entire Crusaders team should be the ABs!

No need for you to comment now…..

2 Go to comments

Wiseguy 2 hours ago

Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

He definitely would because he knows him better and trusts him. He can’t though and the fact is Dmac is far and away the best performing 10 in Super rugby right now.

I always felt Mounga didn’t hit his full potential for the AB’s until he was consistently picked as first choice 10 without chopping and changing with BB. Then yeah, he was the best 10 in NZ and at the World Cup. Dmac deserves the same opportunity. There’s no reason he can’t perform at test level the way he does for the Chiefs. Give him the keys.

Also move Ioane back to the wing, bring Proctor in to 13 and get Jordan playing the Shaun Stevenson role. BB to the bench and develop Ruben Love to eventually replace him.

88 Go to comments

Jordon 2 hours ago

'Why the hell is he playing for Australia?': How Tyrel Lomax became an All Black

Could’ve mentioned the fact that for the last 2 seasons the canes under Lomax have crushed opposition scrums while he has become the premier tighthead on the planet.

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fl 3 hours ago

Rassie Erasmus names 54-man Springboks squad with 9 uncapped players

is your definition of a troll just anyone who says things you don’t like?

31 Go to comments

PaPaRumple 3 hours ago

Rassie Erasmus names 54-man Springboks squad with 9 uncapped players

Says the troll