Dream elevation to join brother at Reds
AN 18-year-old lock still in the First XV at The Southport School has won a dream elevation to join big brother Angus Blyth in the long-term planning of the Queensland Reds.
Siblings have played for the Reds as recently as the Smith twins, Ruan and JP, this season but it’s rare to sign two players from the same gene pool at the same time.
Wilson Blyth has been signed on a three-year development squad contract at the same time as Angus, 21, who has inked a four-year deal in the top squad. At 1.99m, he is a leading figure in the TSS march to an undefeated 5-0 start in GPS schools rugby this year.
Angus Blyth is an imposing 2.04m and 115kg and produced some eye-catching periods of real authority in the latter stages of the Super Rugby season.
He is still an eight-game novice but his signing guarantees the Reds’ depth at lock beside Harry Hockings, Wallaby regular Izack Rodda and the versatile Lukhan SalakaiaLoto.
“I’m really looking to continue to develop under Brad (Thorn) and the coaching staff plus to play with my brother and good mates I’ve made here in Queensland,” Angus said.
Both Blyth and young flanker Fraser Mcreight, 20, have been signed on four-year deals to stay at Ballymore, without Rugby Australia top-ups, which indicates the Reds themselves are trying to break the endless cycle of short-term deals.
“It’s good to have the Blyth brothers here at Ballymore together,” Thorn said of Wilson’s rise. “Angus is a hard worker and a humble guy and it’s a great result to have him on board for four years.”