mens
super-rugby-pacific
Red Academy graduates John Bryant and Charlie Brosnan have re-signed with the Queensland Rugby Union for another year, penning new deals ahead of the AUS Super Rugby team’s opener against the Western Force.
Bryant and Brosnan have both been named in the starting side ahead of the first round clash at Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium on Saturday. These selections indicate the importance of the duo, who both spent last season as permanent members of the team.
Bryant, 23, has made 31 appearances in maroon over three seasons, including several appearances for the Reds in 2026. The left-back also spent time with the Italian outfit Benetton in URC, even on the home page against Edinburgh October 18.
Back with the Reds in time for the Super Season, Bryant played the full 80 as the Queenslanders defeated Fijian Drua in Lautoka for the first time, before turning out for Souths in the Hospital Cup later this year.
Bryant was named in the Queensland Premier Rugby Team of the Week in round 18, after an impressive performance for the Magpies. Olympic silver medalist Joji Nasova and Western Force flyer Mac Grealy are among the others selected.
“Obviously, I love Queensland. It’s where I grew up and playing for my state is still what I’m aiming for,” Bryant said after re-signing for the QRU.
“I’m very excited to see what Vern (Cotter) brings to our forwards because you learn from every coach along the way.
“I played only three games Super Rugby Pacific this year, but I feel I’m improving my game and I’ve done that with my club, Souths.
“It’s not about changing my game or doing everything on the court, it’s about doing what I’m good at really well.
“I’m really trying to go through a lot of work on defense. Getting fitter and faster and getting stronger and stronger jackal technique are things I’m working on.”
Ex Australia U20 international Brosnan made his debut at Super Rugby Pacific level for the Reds on May 16, having been named on the bench ahead of the trip to the Force. It was a heavy defeat for the visitors, who fell by a handful of points.
Brosnan spent time in Queensland Premier Rugby with the Brothers, who won the title with a dominant performance against Wests. The second rower watched as a fan when the Brothers won the championship in 2023 and has now played a part in more club history.
“It’s unrealistic to stay at the Reds next year,” Brosnan said.
“I know from these first few weeks under Vern that you will have to be fit, tough and a real master of the little things in your role to play in his side.
“I love being part of the team full-time. Lukhan (Salakaia-Loto) and Josh (Canham) are both world-class Test locks. Getting tips and tricks from them throughout the season is fantastic.”
Reds manager Vern Cotter added: “They’re both hard workers, which is the first thing.
“‘JB’ is an exciting player. I see him as very active defensively, someone who carries well and is aggressive in the game.
“Like Charlie, there’s that willingness to throw the body around and get off the deck to repeat the effort. That’s the key thing.”
