The Queensland Reds have brought back a member of their 2011 title-winning team in Jono Lance for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
Lance began his career at the Reds in 2011 at fullback and made 21 appearances for the side over three years, including the 18-13 win over the Crusaders in the 2011 Super Rugby final.
He then spent two years at the Waratahs for 13 appearances before playing 18 matches over the last three years for the Western Force.
Lance originally signed with the Melbourne Rebels for the 2018 season, but they have granted him an immediate release from his contract to return to the Reds.
He looks set to be the replacement for Karmichael Hunt who was indefinitely stood down from all rugby activities late last year after being charged with drug possession.
He started at flyhalf for the Force in 2018, but will likely find himself in familiar territory at fullback again at the Reds.
“I spent a lot of time at Ballymore in the early stages of my career so it was a great feeling to be driving back through the gates again,” said Lance.
“I know the guys have been working hard in the pre-season so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens the next few weeks.
“It’s really exciting to get back and pull on the Reds jersey again.”
CJ
Guest
Would have liked to seen a Genia/Lance combo. Hopefully, though, JB will realize his potential under the master.
piru
Roar Rookie
His career shows him to be a consummate professional in fact
Comrade Bear
Roar Rookie
I thought it was a shame when he left so happy to see him back. I think he will do well.
Drongo
Guest
Thorn knows his own ego better than anything or anyone. He is a mercenary out for himself. His career displays that perfectly.
Taylorman
Guest
Fiona as he was with the Wallabies his performances were marginally better if anything, you make it sound like it was hit or miss with or without him and that was far from the case. Given that his red and suspension far outweighed any margins he provided from being there over not. That aside, he probably did enough to make both squads and made neither in the end. ‘Clearly’... no one wants him. It’s just a matter of when you and his supporters get over it.
Taylorman
Guest
There’s a downgrade on Quade? Whew. Good luck with that one then?
Charlie Turner
Guest
Looks like Jacko is setting a low bar for his kiwi deity, nothing like a bit of mothering. Thorn needs to do better than Stiles as they both came into the job with similar experience and off successful NRC seasons.
Fionn
Guest
So Nick Stiles' record is a pass threshold for Thorn? That's convenient given you're constantly criticising the Reds' results last year under Stiles.
Fionn
Guest
Stewart played most of his rugby at 7???
Fionn
Guest
Jacko, while everyone is entitled to their own opinions, you're not entitled to your own facts. The facts are that the Reds performed far better in 2017 when Quade played relative to when he did not. Using your logic 'the Blues were still poor despite Ioane and Sonny Bill Williams, therefore, Ioane and SBW should be dropped'. It is a non sequitur. You need to demonstrate that the Reds performed better without him than with him, or else your argument that he should be dropped holds little water. Maybe he is right to drop Quade, only time will tell, but the facts we have at hand on the Reds' performance over the last couple of years both with and without him does not support the view they will be an improved team without him. That said, I wish Thorn all the best, and hopefully whoever he plays at 10 offers a legitimate alternative to Foley.
Jacko
Guest
if they win 4 its as good as the past few years
Jacko
Guest
So he missed stuff-all and still they finished 13th? He needs to go. I believe Lance may well have been all lined up before QC was told to walk as Lance has been at Reds training for a while now
Bfc
Guest
Ditto...
Bib
Guest
Lance and Lucas.. flip a coin as they’re really the same type of player. Both won’t let you down and both have played some amazing super rugby games, but the they’re week in week out meh. I’m also unsure where this Stewart to 15 thought bubble has come from. He played most his junior rugby at 7 and has only shifted to 10 fairly recently.
Train Without A Station
Guest
Lucas is a great utility in a good team. But he’s a step down from Hunt or Quade. I think Lance is now overrated, but 2 years ago was underrated and people have now over-corrected their view of him. He’s a decent Super Rugby 10. History shows he has less positive impact in that position than the 10 he replaces though, unfortunately.
Train Without A Station
Guest
A trivial side note that only 1 of them was actually in the 23? Lance wasn’t in the 23 for the Waratahs win by the way...
Bakkies
Guest
Realist do you believe the rubbish that you post?
Bakkies
Guest
'Considering the life span of recent Reds coaches does Thorn have a season or two ??' That's the tough question as the Reds don't have the money to wait a season or two for an upturn in results and hoping the fans will come back.
Realist
Guest
I agree with you ExForce Fan If the rugby community in Perth is just going to ‘throw the toys out of the cot’ and not try to build a local pathway ‘worthy’ of a place in Super Rugby, then the Bledisloe should be stripped from Perth along with all other top tier tests. So much entitlement, so much to learn. The Western Force...who were they again ??♂️??
riddler
Guest
not sure about either of these signings to be honest.. lance has never set anywhere on fire to be honest nor has lucas.. solid players no doubt.. and maybe good cover/support for a season as we rebuild..