'It's a privilege': Why Tate McDermott re-signed with Rugby Australia and QRU

Reds co-captain Tate McDermott has re-signed with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union until the end of 2027.

After making his debut in the coveted gold jersey under former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie in 2020, McDermott became a matchday regular for the national team.

McDermott played six matches for the Wallabies last year, including one start, and was believed to be an obvious choice at halfback ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France.

But this year hasn’t quite gone to plan.

Following a tough start to this season’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign, McDermott was a shock omission from Eddie Jones’ first Wallabies training camp squad.

But McDermott hasn’t let that setback define him. The 24-year-old is eager to pull on the gold jersey again, and contribute to an eventful four years ahead for Australian Rugby.

“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to live and play rugby in Queensland. That is a dream I’ve had since I was a young boy,” McDermott said in a statement.

“I love representing the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies, and staying here in Australia gives me the chance to continue to do that.

“There is plenty left to achieve in this country. With a Lions Tour and a home World Cup on the horizon, that is a future I want to be part of.”

Legendary coach Eddie Jones, who replaced Rennie in the Wallabies’ hot seat in January, selected Nic White and bolter Ryan Lonergan in his first Test squad after returning to Australia.

But Jones said he’ll be “watching” McDermott “closely for the remainder of the Super Rugby season” with World Cup spots still up for grabs.

“Tate is a young player who have much to achieve int eh game and to have him re-sign long-term shows his commitment to Australian Rugby which is really positive,” Jones said.

“He’s a leader at the Queensland Ders and we’ll be watching him closely for the remainder of the Super Rugby season.”

McDermott will start at halfback for the Reds in their Round Seven blockbuster against Australian rivals the Brumbies on Friday night.