Australia U20 captain Tom Robinson commits to Queensland Reds on two-year deal

Tom Robinson, the 20-year-old who captained Australia’s Under-20s at the World Rugby Junior World Championships in Georgia, has re-signed with the Queensland Reds on a two-year contract, the Queensland Rugby Union announced on Wednesday.

Robinson has yet to debut at Super Rugby Pacific level, but the backrower has already attracted significant attention within the Reds setup after making his Queensland debut against Tonga in Nuku’alofa last year. Head coach Vern Cotter has included him in the squad currently on a four-game tour of Japan and Italy, where Robinson played 40 minutes in a non-cap match against Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights last weekend.

The two sides are set to meet again on Saturday, with the annual Saitama Queensland Shield at stake — a fixture that gives Robinson another opportunity to press his case for a Super Rugby berth.

As Australia U20 captain, Robinson started at openside flanker throughout the Junior World Championships, including a try in a 90-22 demolition of Spain. His performances in Georgia, combined with his integration into senior Reds training, appear to have accelerated the club’s decision to secure his future.

“I’m really excited to re-sign with the Reds. It’s everything I wanted and I’m very happy being around Ballymore,” Robinson said. “This year, being involved, with and against, some of the best players in Australia on a daily basis at Reds training has been huge for me.”

Robinson also pointed to specific technical areas he is working to develop, citing Reds and Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight as a benchmark. “You continually have work-ons like improving at the defensive breakdown to disrupt and slow the opposition like Fraser does so well.”

Cotter was equally positive about the signing, highlighting Robinson’s versatility across the backrow as a key asset. “Tom has an excellent work ethic and skills to play more than one position in the backrow,” the coach said. “This tour is an ideal way to keep advancing his good habits and build his experience for the role he will play over the next two years.”

The Reds still have two matches remaining on tour, facing Benetton Rugby and an Italy XV before returning to Australia. Robinson joined captain John Bryant and No 8 Vaiuta Latu in the loose forwards against the Wild Knights, with Australia A skipper Matt Faessler also part of a squad blending youth and experience.