Tui sticking around until 2020

Lukhan Tui has put pen to paper on a deal that will see him stay at Ballymore until the end of 2020.

Tui is one of Australia's most promising locks and his stellar performance against the All Blacks in the Brisbane Bledisloe was just a taste of the 21-year-old's capabilities.

His ball carrying is without question his best asset but it testament to his all-round growth that Tui quickly became a prominent part of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika's plans, despite having played just over a dozen Super Rugby games."I’m really excited for what we’re building here at the Reds but also the Wallabies and I just want to be part of that," Tui said.

"It was great to get my first taste of Test footy last year but it just makes me want to play more games for Australia."

Cheika said it was particularly encouraging to see a player of Tui's potential commit to Australian rugby long term.

"Lukhan is a very exciting young player and has worked extremely hard to establish himself firstly with the Reds and now the Wallabies," Cheika said.
"We are continuing to build depth in the second row around the country and Lukhan knows he has to keep knuckling down to improve his game.

"It’s great to see our young lads commit to long-term deals and show how much they want to contribute to rugby in this country."

Queensland have also secured the services of promising lock Angus Blyth until the end of 2020.

Blyth has risen through the Queensland U20s and Queensland Country ranks alongside recent debutant Harry Hockings and his 204cm, 115kg frame is a valuable addition to coach Brad Thorn's lock stocks.