Wallaby hooker inks new deal with Australia, Reds

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NEWS: Rugby Australia and the Reds re-signed hooker Matt Faessler on a two-year deal through to the end of 2027.

Faessler, 26, enjoyed his best international season in 2024, playing nine Tests and becoming the first Australian hooker in history to cross for three tries in a match during the Wallabies' 52-20 victory over Wales in Cardiff.

A product of Queensland's Darling Downs region, Faessler had a non-traditional pathway to Super Rugby, playing for both Brothers in Brisbane's Hospital Cup, before joining Randwick in Sydney's Shute Shield competition.

From there, he was brought back across the border to Ballymore, where he made his Super Rugby debut in 2022 and quickly earned a reputation for his strong set pieces and his work around the field.

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One year later he became Wallaby No. 969 when he made his Test debut against the All Blacks in Dunedin.

Just a week later, he was named in the 2023 World Cup squad, has been capped 14 times for the Wallabies, and has represented the Reds on 45 occasions.

His maternal grandfather, Vince Bermingham, is Wallaby No. 288 and was a member of the first Australian side to win the Bledisloe Cup in 1934.

Faessler's re-signing follows that of fellow Wallabies Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Wilson and Jeremy Williams in recent weeks.

Faessler said: "I'm stoked to have my future secured for the next two years here at the Reds and with Aeds and Wallabies hooker Matt ustralian Rugby.

"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."

Rugby Australia's Director of High-Performance, Peter Horne said: "We're delighted that Matt has recommitted to the Reds and Australian Rugby."

"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."

Reds coach Les Kiss added: "Matt has consistently proven himself one of the toughest and most durable hookers in the country. From a Queensland and Australian perspective, his commitment for another two years is a real positive.

"I know there will be plenty of his forward teammates who agree because he's very competitive and brings out the best in them too."