The core of the Wallabies squad continues to be locked in ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with tight-five stars Matt Faessler and Nick Frost the latest to re-sign.
The pair have inked two-year extensions with the Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies, respectively, after featuring heavily under coach Joe Schmidt in 2024.
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Faessler solidified himself as the main hooker last year, starting in nine Tests after his debut in the Bledisloe Cup in 2023.
He became the first hooker in Wallabies history to score a hat-trick in a Test match, crossing for three tries against Wales on the Spring Tour.
“I’m stoked to have my future secured for the next two years here at the Reds and with Australian Rugby," Faessler said.
“I love representing my state and feel we’re building something special here at Ballymore that I want to continue to contribute to and be a part of.
“There’s also some massive events coming up for the Wallabies with this year’s Lions Series and home World Cup that I’d certainly love to be involved in but I know my performances here for Queensland are key to that.”
As for Frost, he has been a mainstay of the Test squad since his debut in 2022, selected in the 2023 World Cup squad and featuring in 25 Tests so far.
Frost played 10 Tests in 2024, starting in both Bledisloe games along with featuring in every game on the Spring Tour.
“I’m really pleased to secure my long-term future with the ACT Brumbies and Australian Rugby," the lock said.
“I feel I have a lot more growth as a player and a person and here with the Brumbies is the best place for me to do that.
“As a kid growing up I always dreamed to represent the Wallabies and with a couple of really key milestones coming up in Australian Rugby and I’ll be doing everything I can to be part of those in a gold jersey.”
The re-signings come after the likes of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Wilson, and Jeremy Williams confirmed their futures in Australia for the foreseeable future.
“We’re delighted that Matt has recommitted to the Reds and Australian Rugby," Rugby Australia’s Director of High-Performance, Peter Horne said.
“A robust competitor, he adds to the group of players readying themselves for the exciting opportunities in the next few years with the Lions Tour, Nations Cup and, at the pinnacle of the game, the Rugby World Cup here in Australia in 2027.”
“Nick’s a great athlete who has performed well consistently for both the Brumbies and the Wallabies over a number of years, so to have him re-commit is a positive for Australian Rugby.”
“We’re looking forward to continuing to watch him develop as a player and a person and to support him to achieve his goals on and off the field.”
