The Queensland Rugby Union is pleased to announce the re-signing of promising young forwards John Bryant and Charlie Brosnan for 2027.
Both have been included as starters in the Queensland Reds side to take on the Western Force on Saturday afternoon (1:30pm AEST) when Super Rugby AUS kicks off at Ballymore Stadium.
Backrower Bryant, 23, has built a strong 31-game foundation at the Reds across three years as Reds player #1385. Lock Brosnan, 21, is at the start of his Reds career after his first full-time season in the squad in 2026.
The duo are both graduates of the Buildcorp Reds Academy who have built their initial credentials through the Reds pathway programs.
Bryant is upbeat about the future at the Reds, playing for his state and building on the gains he is working on in his game.
“Obviously, I love Queensland. This is where I’ve grown up and playing for my state is still what I strive to do,” said Bryant, an old boy of St Laurence’s College.
“I’m very excited to see what Vern (Cotter) brings to our forwards because you learn from every coach along the way.
“I played only three games in Super Rugby Pacific this year but I feel I am progressing with my game and did that with my club, Souths.
“It’s not about changing my game or doing everything on the field but doing what I’m good at really well.
“I really try to get through a lot of work in defence. Being fitter and faster and getting my jackal technique stronger and stronger are things I work at.”
Bryant set a high standard in the heat of Lautoka this year when he played the full 80 minutes at flanker when the Reds toppled the Fijian Drua in Fiji for the first time.
“It was great to be part of that first win over there,” Bryant said.
Bryant is looking forward to the opportunities still ahead in 2026 in Super Rugby AUS and on the Reds’ four-game tour of Japan and Italy in November.
His secondment to Italian partner club Benetton Rugby late last year included three outings in the United Rugby Championship against South African, Scottish and Irish opponents.
“I absolutely loved it in Italy. My spaghetti carbonara skills improved over there, I got to see how an overseas team operates and understood some of the different skills that are emphasised,” Bryant said.
“I’m definitely keen to play against Benetton. They’ll be a great test for us. Going on tour is where you build those deeper bonds with teammates.
“Playing a lot for the Reds outside Super Rugby has really been a positive for sure. Playing against the British & Irish Lions, Wales, the Wild Knights, Tonga… there is nothing that helps you more than the practice and reps in high-level games.”
The 1.97m Brosnan is a Queensland country product from Thallon who progressed in rugby while at boarding school at Brisbane's Anglican Church Grammar School.
“It’s unreal to have next year locked in at the Reds,” said Brosnan, Reds player #1416.
“From these first few weeks under Vern I know you’ll need to be fit, tough and a real master of the small things in your role to play in his sides.
“I’m loving being part of the full-time squad. Lukhan (Salakaia-Loto) and Josh (Canham) are both world-class Test locks. To get tips and tricks from them throughout a season is fantastic.”
Brosnan was a key member of the recent Brothers premiership side which won the Sumo Energy Hospital Cup grand final at Ballymore.
“It was a great feeling. I went from running onto the field from XXXX Hill in 2023 to being on it as a player in 2026,” Brosnan said.
Cotter is upbeat about Bryant and Brosnan committing for the 2027 campaign.
“They are both hard workers which is the first thing,” Cotter said.
“’JB’ is an exciting player. I see him as being very active in defence, someone who carries well and has aggression to his game.
“As with Charlie, there’s that willingness to throw the body around and get off the deck to make repeat efforts. That's a key thing."
Position: Flanker-No.8
Height: 190cm
Weight: 102kg
Born: 20/02/2003, Brisbane
Club: Souths
School: St Laurence’s College
Queensland Reds debut: 2023 v Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights at Ballymore
Reds caps: 31
Position: Lock
Height: 197cm
Weight: 106kg
Born: 27/01/2005, Brisbane
Club: Brothers
School: Anglican Church Grammar School
Queensland Reds debut: 2025 v Tonga in Nuku’alofa
Reds caps: 3
