Wallabies' forward Salakaia-Loto rejoins Reds after Rebels collapse

Australia forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has rejoined the Reds for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season following the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels, Queensland Rugby Union said on Saturday.

The 27-year-old, who has 32 Wallabies caps, played 69 times for the Reds in his initial six-year spell before moving to English side Northampton Saints for the 2022-23 season.

He returned to Australia in 2024 with the chronically indebted Rebels, who were cut from Super Rugby at the end of the season with Rugby Australia rejecting a consortium's rescue plan due to concerns over its viability.

"To be back here in Brisbane and at Ballymore is unreal, especially with the way the Reds played this season," said Salakaia-Loto, who started his career with the Reds in 2016.

"Hopefully, I can be a part of the Reds taking the next step next year. I know how hard the boys work here so it's up to us to make it happen."

His return was welcomed by Reds coach Les Kiss.

"He's gained a wealth of experiences at Northampton and the Rebels to bring back for this wonderful opportunity at the Reds where he started his rugby," he said.

"We've also seen his impact for the Wallabies in July. We all look forward to what is ahead."