Wallaroos star reveals surprising Super Rugby switch

Just months after signing damaging prop Eva Karpani, the Queensland Reds have struck another Wallaroos star from south of the border with the signing of Test halfback Layne Morgan.

The 25-year-old revealed all week on Instagram that she would be leaving Daceyville less than a year after leading the NSW Waratahs to a drought-hit Super Rugby women’s title.

But so far her destination remains unclear, with some fearing she may be heading to the Northern Hemisphere or switching codes.

roar It can be revealed that the Reds have strengthened their half with Morgan providing a one-two punch for new coach Andrew Fraser and Nat Wright making his Test debut last year.

Wallaroos star Layne Morgan is set to join fellow Test halfback Nat Wright at the Queensland Reds. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Morgan’s defection north appears to have been due to personal reasons for the 25-year-old, who has been one of the Waratahs’ most popular members in recent years.

“As I close this incredible chapter with my Waratah family, I am taking a trip down memory lane to where it all began,” she wrote on Instagram recently.

“From my best performances on the field to my friendships and lessons learned, this journey has shaped me in ways I will never forget.

“To my teammates, coaches and amazing Tahs fans – thank you for everything. Your support has meant the world to me, and the memories we have made will always hold a special place in my heart.

“When one door closes, another opens… For now, I just want to say thank you. #167.”

Given that Wright is only 22 years old and Women’s Super Rugby is a fast-paced tournament, Morgan’s defection was not supported by all quarters of Australian rugby. .

The race for qualification in a World Cup year will help Jo Yapp steer the Wallaroos into a top four finish at August’s showpiece competition.

Desiree Miller (left) and Layne Morgan have played key roles in the success of the Waratahs’ women’s Super Rugby team at Ballymore Stadium on April 28, 2024. (Photo: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images)

More urgently, Morgan’s ability to snipe and keep the defense guessing will benefit the Reds after the Queenslanders struggled to get back to the grand final a year ago.

Playing behind Karpani not only helps Morgan, it also halves partner Carys Dallinger, who was left out under Yapp last year for the 2023 Rookie of the Year award.

A new face follows last December’s news that Australian sevens stars Charlotte Caslick, Maddison, Taegan Levi and Isabella Naser were set to join the Reds for Yapp’s Wallaroos World Cup squad.

The Reds face a Penina Pasifika team in Ballymore on March 1 and play Super Rugby women’s singles against Fijiana Drua in Lautoka on March 8.

But with Morgan and Karparni defecting to the Reds, all eyes will be on the March 16 clash at home to the Waratahs.