Former All Black Jeffery Toomaga-Allen extends stay with Reds

Former All Black Jeffery Toomaga-Allen has re-committed to the Queensland Reds for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, joining Wallabies Josh Flook and Seru Uru in signing one-year contract extensions with the Queensland Rugby Union.

Toomaga-Allen’s fresh deal was announced by the Reds on Thursday, following the news earlier in the week that both Flook and Uru had re-signed. Queensland have also secured the services of Wallabies like Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight through until the end of 2027.

Following a minor injury setback to start the season, Toomaga-Allen has gone on to make nine appearances for the Reds so far this season. Coach Les Kiss has also named the one-Test All Black on the bench ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Fijian Drua in Brisbane.

Toomaga-Allen has played more than 200 first-class matches, including 100 matches for the Hurricanes, which included Super Rugby glory with the Canes in 2016. The prop has since pursued opportunities in Europe with Wasps and Ulster.

The Wellington-born prop was selected for the All Blacks in 2013, playing against Japan in Tokyo, before returning to the national setup in 2017 for a match against the Barbarians during the team’s Spring Tour.

Toomaga-Allen – who has since been capped by Samoa – signed with the Reds in 2023, debuting for the club against the Panasonic Wild Knights that year. The experienced front-rower has gone on to play a total of 25 matches for the Reds, with another season in maroon still to come.

“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.

“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.

“I’ll have those hard convos when they need to happen and have an arm on the shoulder when that needs to happen.”

Toomaga-Allen kicked things off with the Reds this season in the fourth round clash away to the Crusaders in Christchurch. After playing three consecutive matches off the bench, Toomaga-Allen was promoted to the starting side to face the Chiefs in round eight.

Coach Kiss has selected the former All Black  on the bench in five matches since, which doesn’t include this weekend’s high-stakes clash with the Drua. With plenty of experience, Toomaga-Allen adds plenty of value to a young contingent of front-rowers in Queensland.

Zane Nonggorr, Massimo De Lutiis, George Blake, Trevor King and Nick Bloomfield are all young props looking to make their mark in the Reds jersey, but Toomaga-Allen’s influence on that group is highly valued by Kiss.

“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 explained.

“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.”

After losing to the Hurricanes last time out at Suncorp Stadium, the Reds are looking to secure a spot in the playoffs in the final round of the regular season. The Reds only need a losing bonus point to secure a spot in the top six, currently ranked fifth on the ladder.

The Drua got the better of the Reds in their previous meeting, with that match coming right down to the wire in Fiji. While they’re out of the playoff race themselves, beating the Reds would potentially see the Fijians avoid a last-place finish.

“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 added.

“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.”