Queensland Rugby Union and Italian club Benetton have announced a landmark partnership that will see four Queensland Reds players join the URC club on loan.
Four-cap Wallaby Josh Flook headlines the list of players that will head to the Trevino-based club on a three-month secondment deal.
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Flook will be joined by promising stars John Bryant, Louis Werchon and Richie Asiata, with the quartet travelling to Italy in the coming days and weeks.
All four will be available for selection in the early rounds of the United Rugby Championship, which kicks off in September, with the Italian club coming off a 10th place finish last season.
As part of the agreement, Flook and the players will remain eligible for international selection as local-based players.
The deal will culminate in the two sides facing off in November 2026, the first time since 1980 the Reds will play in Italy.
“I’m super excited. It’s huge to get an opportunity with a major European club,” back-rower 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.”
The partnership came together through legendary flyhalf Michael Lyngah, who won titles with both clubs in the 1990s, with sons Tom and Louis playing at Queensland and Benetton respectively.
“In my conversations with Antonio [Pavanello, GM of Benetton], 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,” Reds GM of Rugby Sam Cordingley said.
“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.”
"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 added.
"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."
