Queensland Reds to play Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan ahead of 2025 season

Queensland Reds will be heading to Japan to face Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in November ahead of their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Kumagaya Rugby Stadium will be hosting the encounter on 4th November as it will conclude a six-game international series aimed at preparing the Reds for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Queensland Rugby Union has developed the most ambitious program of any Super Rugby club in Australia or New Zealand, focused on boosting squad development and building stronger international relationships.

Similar to 2022 and 2023, the Reds will face the Wild Knights in a warm-up match before the capped fixture.

"One of the great strengths of rugby is the international relationships,” Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.

"I'm really excited about the trip to Japan and to be testing the Reds against a Robbie Deans-coached team which we know will be well prepared.

"To have the tour confirmed is massive for us as we continue to build the international opportunities to develop our players and expose them to different styles of rugby.

"I felt that last year when my first game as Reds coach was against the Wild Knights and we played a tight match in Brisbane that was only decided in the final minutes.

"We are three years into our playing relationship and want to continue it for many more."