Emerging outside back Xavier Rubens has been re-signed by the Queensland Reds for 2027 under a creative deal that will see him train in Japan for 10 weeks with the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.
The Queensland Rugby Union is delighted to today announce the re-signing and the link with the Wild Knights, who have proudly stood as a partner club since 2022.
Rubens, 21, has flown to Japan to begin the loan deal which will see him train and potentially play trial games with the Wild Knights at their Kumagaya base until early November.
Rubens will then link with the Reds for their two games against the Wild Knights in November and their landmark Italian venture to Treviso to play an Italy XV (November 20) and Benetton Rugby (November 27).
"I'm as excited as I can be for a new experience in rugby," Rubens said.
"Locking in my future for 2027 is great and the Reds' creating cool chances like this in Japan is definitely something you don't get at other clubs.
"I jumped at the chance in Japan. Rugby comes first with developing my skills but I also want to experience a different culture and view on rugby."
Rubens has played three times for the Reds, including a start on the wing against the Wild Knights at Ballymore last October and his Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench against the NSW Waratahs in Round One this year.
The former Australia Under-20s representative took his improvements back to his club Souths and finished as the top try-scorer (15) in the Sumo Energy Hospital Cup.
He played exclusively as a line-busting outside centre for Souths but his versatility is tapped by the Reds with his three appearances as a winger.
"I play outside centre at club but you keep all doors open so I work hard at wing as well. I try to hold myself to a high standard. There's a level I need to play at for the Reds and I try to bring that to Souths," Rubens said.
"Training all season at the Reds with Wallabies centres like Josh Flook and Isaac Henry has really helped show me the stamp I need to make on a position."
Sam Cordingley, Reds General Manager, High Performance, said the link with the Wild Knights is a proud partnership for the club that will benefit Rubens' development.
"Xavier has certainly earned this opportunity in Japan. He has been a standout back in club rugby this season and he has also stepped up to every opportunity he has had with the Reds," Cordingley said.
"It's a unique opportunity for Xavier to experience the Wild Knights' program as part of his deal. I'd like to thank our partner club for this support."
XAVIER RUBENS
Position: Winger-outside centre
Height: 186cm
Weight: 94kg
Born: 26/06/2005
Place of birth: Sydney
Senior Club: Souths
Junior club: West Houston Lions, USA
School: Brisbane Boys' College
Queensland Reds Number: 1418
Reds Caps: 3
Reds debut: vs Tonga, Nuku'alofa 2025
