Kane Douglas
The Queensland Rugby Union has secured the signature of Test lock Kane Douglas for the next 3 years, adding further depth to the Reds’ forward stocks.
The 26-year-old is an imposing figure standing at 2.02m tall and weighing 119kg, but also brings with him significant experience, having already played 75 Super Rugby games and 14 Test matches since making the step up to professional rugby in 2010.
Douglas made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs in 2010 and played his 1st Test for the Wallabies in 2012. In 2014 he made the decision to experience Rugby overseas and moved to Leinster to play in the European Pro 12 competition.
Douglas has returned to Australian shores and said he was looking forward to this next chapter of his life on and off the field.
“It’s going to be a new challenge for me, but I’m looking forward to it,” Douglas said.
“I know a heap of the Reds guys from playing with them at the Wallabies.
“The forward pack has been going really well and I’ve heard good things about what they’re building, so I’m looking forward to contributing to it.”
Originally from Yamba in northern New South Wales, Douglas said he was looking forward to plying his trade closer to friends and family.
“My family is up that way so I’m sure they’ll be getting out to watch me play a bit more often. I’m looking forward to living in Brisbane,” he said.
While personal circumstance was a contributing factor to Douglas’ decision to join the Reds, head coach Richard Graham said he was also genuine about his ambitions.
“Sometimes circumstances align and they work in your favour. Sometimes they don’t. In the case of Kane we consider ourselves fortunate in that his family is living in Queensland,” Graham said.
“That being said, he is an ambitious young guy and has demonstrated how genuine he is by committing to the Reds for 3 seasons. He has made it clear that he wants to be part of an aspirational program and he can be a strong driver in helping us as we move forward.
“He plays the game in an abrasive manner yet at the same time has good awareness and skill. His stint overseas with Leinster will have exposed him to new areas in the game and that will have assisted his development even further.
“We know Kane is aspirational to represent his country again. Following any potential Wallabies duties, we are looking forward to seeing him in our program at Ballymore and wearing a Reds jersey.”