Bryant and Brosnan re-sign with Queensland Reds ahead of Super Rugby opener

John Bryant and Charlie Brosnan have re-signed with the Queensland Rugby Union for the upcoming Super Rugby season, with both players named in the starting XV for the Reds’ round-one clash against the Western Force at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday.

Bryant, 23, brings 31 appearances in the maroon jersey across three seasons to his new deal. The backrower spent part of last season with Italian side Benetton in the URC, including a start against Edinburgh on 18 October, before returning to Queensland in time for the Super Rugby campaign. He played the full 80 minutes as the Reds defeated the Fijian Drua in Lautoka for the first time, and later featured for club side Souths in the Hospital Cup, earning a Queensland Premier Rugby Team of the Week nod in Round 18.

“Obviously, I love Queensland. This is where I’ve grown up and playing for my state is still what I strive to do,” Bryant said. “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. 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.”

Brosnan, a former Australia U20 representative, made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Reds on 16 May after being named on the bench for a road trip to the Force. The second-rower also contributed to Brothers’ Queensland Premier Rugby title campaign, having watched the club win the championship as a fan in 2023 before playing a part in further club history this season.

“It’s unreal to have next year locked in at the Reds,” Brosnan said. “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. Lukhan [Salakaia-Loto] and Josh [Canham] are both world-class Test locks. To get tips and tricks from them throughout a season is fantastic.”

Reds head coach Vern Cotter welcomed the pair’s commitment, describing them as hard workers and highlighting Bryant’s energy as a particular asset to the forward pack as the new season gets under way.