Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds are pleased to announce the re-signing of hooker Matt Faessler on a two-year deal through to the end of 2027.
Faessler, 26, enjoyed his best international season in 2024, playing nine Tests and becoming the first Australian hooker in history to cross for three tries in a match during the Wallabies’ 52-20 victory over Wales in Cardiff.
A product of Queensland’s Darling Downs region, Faessler had a non-traditional pathway to Super Rugby, playing for both Brothers in Brisbane’s Hospital Cup, before joining Randwick in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition.
It was from there he was brought back across the border to Ballymore where he made he is Super Rugby debut in 2022 and quickly earned a reputation for a strong set piece and his work around the field.
One year later he became Wallaby No. 969 when he made his Test debut against the All Blacks in Dunedin.
Just a week later, he was named in the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad and has been capped 14 times for the Wallabies so far and has represented the Reds on 45 occasions.
His maternal grandfather, Vince Bermingham, is Wallaby No. 288 and was a member of the first Australian side to win the Bledisloe Cup in 1934.
Faessler’s re-signing follows that of fellow Wallabies Nick Frost, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Harry Wilson and Jeremy Williams in recent weeks.
Queensland Reds and Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler said: “I’m stoked to have my future secured for the next two years here at the Reds and with Australian Rugby.
“I love representing my state and feel we’re building something special here at Ballymore that I want to continue to contribute to and be a part of.
“There’s also some massive events coming up for the Wallabies with this year’s Lions Series and home World Cup that I’d certainly love to be involved in but I know my performances here for Queensland are key to that.”
Rugby Australia’s Director of High-Performance, Peter Horne said: “We’re delighted that Matt has recommitted to the Reds and Australian Rugby.”
“A robust competitor, he adds to the group of players readying themselves for the exciting opportunities in the next few years with the Lions Tour, Nations Cup and, at the pinnacle of the game, the Rugby World Cup here in Australia in 2027.”
Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss said: "Matt has consistently proven himself one of the toughest and most durable hookers in the country. From a Queensland and Australian perspective, his commitment for another two years is a real positive.
"I know there will be plenty of his forward teammates who agree because he's very competitive and brings out the best in them too."
Position: Hooker
Height: 182cm
Weight: 111kg
Date of Birth: December 21, 1998
Place of birth: Toowoomba, Queensland
Wallaby number: 969
Test debut: 2023 v New Zealand in Dunedin
Test caps: 14
Super Rugby debut: 2022 v Western Force in Perth
Queensland Reds caps: 47
First Rugby Club: USQ Saints
Wallabies v Fiji at 1:30pm AEST on Sunday July 6 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v South Africa at TBC on Saturday August 16 at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Wallabies v South Africa at TBC on Saturday August 23 at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Wallabies v Argentina at 2:30pm AEST on Saturday September 6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies v Argentina at 2:00pm AEST on Saturday September 13 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand at 5:05pm AEST on Saturday September 27, Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies v New Zealand at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday October 4 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies v Japan at TBC on Saturday October 25 at National Stadium, Tokyo
Wallabies v England, at 2:10am AEDT on Sunday November 2 at Allianz Stadium, London
Wallabies v Italy at 4:40am AEDT on Sunday November 9 at TBC
Wallabies v Ireland at 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 16 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Wallabies v France at 7:10am on Sunday November 23 at TBC
