Lefau-Fakaosilea returns to Queensland Reds after six years away to bolster injury-hit squad

Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea has rejoined the Queensland Reds for the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s season, ending an absence from the XVs format that stretches back nearly six years. The sevens speedster last played for the Reds in 2019 before transitioning to the HSBC SVNS Series, and her return comes as the Brisbane franchise manages a mounting injury list.

The Reds have lost Wallaroo Tiarah Minns, lock Deni Ross and French half-back Margaux Duces to injury, prompting the club to bolster their squad with Lefau-Fakaosilea alongside Elisha Godsiff, Kieran Berry and veteran Australia international Sarah Riordan.

“It’s good to be back home,” Lefau-Fakaosilea said. “I’ve been away from the game for a bit, so it’s good to have her [Riordan] help me in and amongst the squad as well. Sevens is fast. I’m mostly really excited to bring that in and learn from the girls. From sevens to fifteens is quicker, more space on the field.”

The 26-year-old, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2018 Brisbane Global Rugby Tens and made her Wallaroos debut the following year, is eager to translate the pace and instincts of the shortened format into the fifteen-a-side game. “I’m excited to bring that in, but I’m also learning as well,” she added.

Reds head coach Andrew Fraser welcomed the signing while acknowledging the circumstances behind it. “Alysia has made a wonderful comeback this year. We saw how diligent she was with her final rehab when we shared the gym at Ballymore with her. The plan has always been for her to become available for us. She is now and that’s great news. The Super Rugby Women’s season is a sprint… what it does do is create some opportunities for good players who have been on the fringes.”

Leftau-Fakaosilea’s arrival makes her the third Australian Women’s Sevens representative to cross into Super Rugby Women’s this season. Tia Hinds and Piper Simons have already made the move to the NSW Waratahs, with Simons — who made her Wallaroos debut off the bench against Fiji earlier this year — having already slotted into the starting lineup. Hinds is still working back from a calf injury sustained during SVNS Bordeaux but is expected to feature later in the season.

The growing crossover between the Sevens circuit and Super Rugby Women’s reflects a broader push to deepen the talent pool available to the Wallaroos, with several international stars now combining club commitments across both formats.