McReight sits tight: Reds ace re-signs with Wallabies despite Euro interest

Fraser McReight has rejected interest from top overseas teams to re-sign with the Reds and Wallabies for the next two years.

The Wallabies flanker, who has found his international appearances curtailed by the presence of Michael Hooper, was a target for Leicester and French club Bordeaux.

“I’ve still got a lot to do – firstly for Queensland and secondly, Australia” McReight told the Brisbane Times website.

“For my growth, it’s best to be here [in Queensland and Australia].

“A lot of my passion lies here at the moment, for how old I am and what I want to achieve.

“There are some really awesome things coming up in Australian rugby over the next few years and I want to be part of that.”

McReight, who was in and out of the Wallabies squad under Dave Rennie, said he recently spoke to new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones about his role.

“It was a good conversation,” McReight said. “He said I can be a great player, very influential, but there are things I need to work on.

“They’re not new things. It’s not recreating the wheel or anything, it’s just keep doing the basics right.”

Hooper’s future beyond the World Cup in uncertain. leaving McReight as his likely long term successor in the Wallabies No.7 jersey.

“I’m not just looking forward [and] thinking, ‘I’ve got that position locked in’. That’s not the case whatsoever,” McReight said.

“It’s about welcoming competition – healthy competition – and wanting to become the best player I can.

“The best thing I can do is play good footy during the Super Rugby season and try to apply pressure there.

“Not many people get to be in this position and see the work Hoops puts himself through, week in, week out, and for me to get the opportunity to see what he does on the field and off the field as well, that was fortunate.“To watch and listen, it’s a wonderful learning and growth opportunity.

“While it has been frustrating at times, because I do want to play, I’d say it’s also been very positive to be able to watch one of the greats go at it.”