Australia A loosehead Tom Lambert signs two-year deal with Queensland Reds after Waratahs exit

Tom Lambert has swapped Cambridge Blue for Queensland Red, signing a two-year deal with the Reds after four seasons with the NSW Waratahs. The 25-year-old loosehead arrives at Ballymore with 30 Super Rugby Pacific appearances to his name and a growing reputation as one of Australian rugby’s more promising front-rowers.

Lambert’s path to the Reds has been anything but conventional. A product of Trinity Grammar in Sydney, he spent time in Scotland — representing Scotland U20 and featuring for Glasgow Warriors — before returning to Australia and debuting for the Waratahs against the ACT Brumbies on 24 February 2023. He started 13 of his 30 appearances for the Tahs, including nine starts in ten outings this season, with a try against the Blues in Sydney among the highlights of his most recent campaign.

His form earned him two Australia A appearances ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, against Tonga and Portugal, and he was recalled for the same representative fixture the following year, featuring in the clash with England A in London.

“At 25, I really believe I’m coming into my prime over the next few years and hopefully I give those to the Reds,” Lambert said. “I like that the Reds play an entertaining brand of rugby and win as well. I’m looking forward to my time in Queensland.”

Lambert also pointed to the squad culture at Ballymore as a key factor in his decision. “I’ve seen the connection that the Reds boys have together. That’s one of their strengths. The Reds have a strong core of players, they’ve made finals year-on-year and have a good record at knocking off Kiwi teams. I’m keen to get into that environment.”

Reds General Manager of High Performance Sam Cordingley welcomed the signing, noting Lambert’s development into a reliable starter. “Tom has certainly shown his capacity as a starting loosehead this season,” Cordingley said. “While he arrives at the Reds via a different path, his character, experience and age profile will add to the strength of our squad.”

Lambert joins a cluster of Australia A representatives already at the club, including Josh Nasser, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham and Joe Brial — all of whom started against England A alongside him in London.