Reds retain talented young trio
Image by: Chris Hyde / Getty Images
The Reds have re-signed centre Ben Tapuai as well as wingers Dom Shipperley and Rod Davies until the end of the 2014 season.
The retention of the young trio significantly strengthens Queensland's backline stocks for the future.
All three players were influential members of Queensland's 2012 season with Tapuai and Davies earning 10 caps each during injury-interrupted campaigns, while Shipperley featured in every minute of all 17 matches throughout the year.
The combined average age of the three rising stars is just over 22-years-old although the trio has gained much experience during the early stages of their careers, accumulating a combined 83 Super Rugby matches.
All have also been rewarded with Wallaby squad selection during the past two seasons with Tapuai and Shipperley involved in Australia's 2012 national training set-up, while Davies made his Wallabies debut against Samoa in 2011.
Tapuai and Shipperley were just two of the 14 Queensland representatives that participated in Australia's recent training camp in Sydney ahead of the inaugural Rugby Championship.
"Despite their young age Ben, Dom and Rod have all produced amazing results in our Rugby program, so it's extremely pleasing to retain their services heading into what will be the peak of their careers," said Reds coach Ewen McKenzie.
"Our entire squad is voting with their feet and choosing to stay in Queensland and we'll return a more experienced and stronger group next season from the adversity we faced in 2012."
The trio's signatures also continues the trend of Reds players pledging their long-term commitment to the franchise.
Playmakers Will Genia and Quade Cooper recently re-signed through until the end of 2015 while Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas and Anthony Faingaa also committed their future to Queensland during the past 12 months.


Join the discussion & Debate
Reds retain talented young trio
For Commenters Consideration | Please stick to the subject matterCOMMENTS [0]