The 22-year-old prop was ‘under immense pressure’ to move to the northern hemisphere
Massimo De Lutiis has signed a new deal with the Queensland Reds(Image: Getty Images)
Talented Australian prop Massimo De Lutiis has committed his future to the Wallabies, despite intense speculation around a move to Ireland.
The 22-year-old tighthead was the subject of a ‘life-changing’ offer from Ireland, according to reports last month. According to Code Sport, the Queensland Reds youngster was “under immense pressure” to choose the green jersey over a gold one.
De Lutiis is seen as a impressive prospect in Australian rugby circles.
He trained with the Wallabies before he’d even made his Super Rugby debut, while he was the only uncapped player to be invited to the Wallabies’ training camp in Sydney earlier this year.
Previously, he broke the record across all codes in Queensland when he bench-pressed 202.5kg.
In a major boost for Australia, the Reds have managed to tie De Lutiis down until 2029.
The new deal follows the news that the Brisbane-based Super Rugby outfit have also agreed a new deal with Wallabies prop Zane Nonggorr earlier this week.
Upon signing the new contract, the Gold Coast product said he was glad to have the saga behind him.
“I definitely feel like a weight has been lifted with this decision. Now I’m locked in, I can focus on the next three years in Australia,” De Lutiis said.
“I know the Reds and the Wallabies have the world-class coaches who are really good for young tightheads and their development.”
The prop also acknowledged the offers made by the Irish Football Rugby Union and Ulster. He qualifies for Ireland through his mother.
“I had a lot to weigh up. I spent a good week or two going through it, and it was a bit stressful,” De Lutiis added. “Family, knowing Australia and what it is like here…they were two big deciding factors.
“Did I want to be potentially playing in front of family and friends at a home World Cup next year? I asked myself that question as well. Even if I don’t, it would be amazing to be around a tournament like that with the huge support that’s out there.”
Rugby Australia director of high performance Peter Horne sang De Lutiis’ praises following the news that the prop would be staying Down Under.
“Massimo is a powerful tighthead with a bright future ahead of him,” Horne said.
“At just 22, he has demonstrated strong potential for the Reds, Australia A and the Australia U20s and has been included in two Wallabies camps.
“Massimo has been the subject of interest from overseas clubs and unions, and we are delighted he has chosen to commit to the Reds and Australian Rugby for the next three years.
“We look forward to Massimo returning to full fitness for the Reds and deepening the front row depth within Australian Rugby.”
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