Latest news with #LukhanSalakaiaLoto
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Wallabies star Lukhan Salakaia-Loto reveals next sporting challenge once his rugby career draws to a close
Towering Wallabies forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has confirmed he is eyeing off a career as a professional boxer once his footy career ends. But before Salakaia-Loto, 28, potentially enters the ring, he hopes to be selected to take on the British & Irish Lions in July. He was also pumped up after meeting Aussie cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia on the Gold Coast this week. 'I'd 100 per cent jump in (and box),' the lock told News Corp. 'I'm not going to disrespect the sport or people that do it by saying I'm gonna be a world champion or be any good at it, but it's something that I'd love to do. 'I just love the obviously got to put in the work and train...(I also like the fact that) its not for everyone, because its so different.' The Wallabies enforcer was also pumped up after meeting cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia (pictured, left) on the Gold Coast this week Salakaia-Loto won't have to look far for advice if he dons some gloves - his younger brother is a boxer and his late father fought professionally in Auckland. Opetaia - who next fights Italian Claudio Squeo on June 8 - is also willing to help Salakaia-Loto prepare for any future bout. Currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, Salakaia-Loto had a message for Wallabies selectors - pick me to face the Lions. 'I feel like I'm slowly approaching that (full fitness),' said the veteran of 41 Tests for Australia. 'Getting back on the field is my main priority. It's a day-by-day process.' The likes of Will Skelton, Jeremy Williams, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain and Josh Canham also want to feature against the tourists in the second row. July 11 will see Joe Schmidt name his Wallabies squad, with the opening Test in Brisbane on July 19.
News.com.au
14-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Queensland Reds to tackle Brumbies without Lynagh, Salakaia-Loto and Uru
Queensland's hopes of beating the ACT Brumbies on Saturday night have been hit by the loss of Test trio Tom Lynagh, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Seru Uru. Flyhalf Lynagh (concussion), lock Salakaia-Loto (shoulder) and flanker Uru (knee) will miss the Super Rugby Pacific battle in Canberra, where the Reds can ill-afford a loss in their bid to secure a top-three finish and a home finals clash. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Ryan Smith and Joe Brial will be the injured trio's respective replacements. In one other change to the Reds side that started in Queensland's 28-21 win over the NSW Waratahs last Friday, centre Hunter Paisami returns from a hip injury, replacing Dre Pakeho, who drops back to the bench. 'We certainly showed our qualities of grit and belief with how strongly we finished the against the NSW Waratahs,' Reds coach Les Kiss said. 'It was very pleasing coming off the short turnaround from our previous match in Fiji.' Kiss backed young gun McLaughlin-Phillips to perform well in the absence of Lynagh 'Harry had a very strong second half when he came in for Tom against the Waratahs and has stepped up for us with his opportunities this season,' the Reds coach said. 'He's a solid, tough lad too. We're lucky in that sense. He can take the line on. 'Our leadership (group) has a lot of faith in him as well,' Meanwhile, 22-year-old Reds squad member Mason Gordon has announced his retirement on medical grounds due to ongoing symptoms after being concussed in pre-season training. 'This is not how, or when, I anticipated my career concluding after I signed a contract at the Queensland Reds in October 2024, the same year I made my Super Rugby debut for the Melbourne Rebels,' fullback Gordon said in an open letter. 'This is an unfortunate injury, however I am grateful for the memories I have of my professional rugby career and will cherish the friendships I have made forever.' Gordon made four Super Rugby appearances for the Rebels, and debuted to the Reds against Wales in July last year. 'He's a quality human being,' Kiss said of Gordon. 'You could see it meant lot to him to become a Red. We'll continue to look after him.'
