Queensland Reds and Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has committed his future with Australian Rugby until at least the end of the 2028 season.
The 28-year-old signed a three-year extension to remain in Ballymore after a Test career revival in 2024.
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Salakaia-Loto started in 11 of the 13 Tests under Joe Schmidt after an instant impact with the Melbourne Rebels, helping them to the finals.
He returned to Queensland at the start of the year, where he made his Super Rugby debut in 2016.
Salakaia-Loto (née Tui) debuted against South Africa in 2017 in Bloemfontein, having played 41 Tests for his country.
“Securing my future is massively important for me and my family and it’s pretty cool that I get to continue my career here at the Reds. I’m looking forward giving back to the club that’s invested a lot in myself and my family," he said in a statement.
“I feel like I’m only just getting started in the second chapter of my career and that my best rugby is ahead of me and hopefully I can put my best foot forward in a Reds jersey and a Wallabies jersey is something that I can continue to earn.
“The goal at the beginning of last year was to put the Wallabies jersey on again and it’s the goal again this year but I know that only comes from my performances for the Reds.
“To be at home for the next couple of years with my family settled here I think that’s important for me to be able to produce some good Rugby.”
Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss was equally as pleased, looking to get Salakaia-Loto fit and available for selection after he picked up an injury in the pre-season.
“We have welcomed Lukhan and his young family to Brisbane," he said.
“He joined the Reds on the pre-season tour of the United Kingdom where the benefits of his experience were felt within our squad.
“We look forward to all he can contribute to the Reds on the field and in the locker room.”
“Lukhan is an experienced Test player whose re-signing shows his long-term commitment to the Queensland Reds and Australian Rugby," Rugby Australia Director of High-Performance, Peter Horne added.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to see him work hard and perform well for the Reds during the Super Rugby Pacific season.”
