Queensland Reds and Benetton join forces in unique partnership

UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP: Queensland Reds Josh Flook (left) and John Bryant (right) will be among four players set to join leading Italian club Benetton as part of the partnership. Pic: Reds Media Unit

Benetton Rugby and the Queensland Reds have announced a unique partnership which will see four Reds players join the Italian club on secondment. 

The partnership blossomed after an initial introduction through Wallabies great Michael Lynagh who won a championship with both the Reds in 1994 and Benetton Treviso in 1991-92.

Josh Flook, John Bryant, Richie Asiata and Louis Werchon will temporarily transfer to the Treviso based club which will see the start of an exciting union between the two clubs. 

Over three months, the quartet will play in the United Rugby Championship. They will arrive in Italy in July and return in October meaning they will be free to play in the opening rounds of the URC in late September-October. They will remain eligible for international selection as a stipulation of the secondment.

The partnership will see the Reds make a first trip to play Benetton in Treviso in November 2026. The game will be the first since 1980 that the Reds have played in Italy. 

The General Managers of Reds and Benetton Sam Cordingley and Antonio Pavanello began discussions in January in Treviso while the Reds were on a pre-season tour of Europe.

“The connection was made through Michael Lynagh. Right from the start, we have felt a genuine will to create opportunities that can benefit two proud clubs and two strong brands,” said Cordingley.

“Michael’s history with Benetton Rugby and as a 100-game legend with the Reds makes this unique. Obviously, Michael’s son Tom plays for the Reds and brother Louis plays for Benetton Rugby.

“In my conversations with Antonio, we have talked through all things URC and Benetton Rugby and where the needs and opportunities lie for both clubs. Mutual benefits will drive this partnership.

“The wonderful experiences through secondments like this will not only support player development, with more matches outside Super Rugby, but also retention. The players will also add depth in key positions at Benetton Rugby.

“We want to be a club that leverages the appeal of rugby as an international game through strong partnerships with Benetton Rugby and Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, overseas tours and unique player-staff experiences.

“Rather than players leaving the club to experience chances like this, we are creating something unique while they are still Reds players with secondments at a famous club in a beautiful part of Italy.

“We hope to be creating fixtures and opportunities with Benetton Rugby long into the future.”

Pavanello spoke abut a project that goes beyond just adding new players to the roster.

"We are extremely proud to announce this partnership with a club of such historical and technical value as the Queensland Reds.

"This collaboration represents an important step for us in an ambitious and long-term growth path. The arrival of four players from a prestigious competition like Super Rugby allows us to further raise the overall quality of our squad and measure ourselves against a dynamic, high-paced style of rugby, rich in technical content.

"The integration will take place at a crucial moment in the season when the team will have to deal with the partial or total unavailability of international players due to their commitments and the mandatory rest periods that follow.

"The addition of these four Australian profiles will help maintain a high level of squad depth and competition, strengthen various roles and ensure consistency at training and in matches."

"This project goes far beyond simply adding players" Pavanello continued. 

"It is the shared vision to create an international rugby ecosystem capable of generating value, growth and new opportunities for players, staff and fans alike."

22-year-old Bryant is looking forward to expanding his wings with the new opportunity of playing rugby with the Italian side.

“I’m super excited. It’s huge to get an opportunity with a major European club. 

“I’ve been fortunate in my time at the Reds to have opportunities to play Wales, Tonga, tour for games against Bristol and Ulster and, recently, play the British and Irish Lions.

“It’s awesome what the Reds are doing with more international opportunities. I’m glad to be part of it and it’s going to be really cool playing at Benetton Rugby.

“I’m learning different skills and ways to play the game with these chances…and I love my pasta. I can’t wait.”