Wallabies utility back and Fiji-born Filipo Daugunu has signed a one-year deal to return to the Queensland Reds.

The 29-year-old played 69 Super Rugby games during his six previous seasons (2018-23) at the Reds before a strong 2024 stint of 12 games for the Melbourne Rebels.

The decision to reconnect with the Reds became an easy one.

“Queensland is home for me. It’s where it all started,” Daugunu said.

“For me to come back, I’m honoured to be here. There will be a lot of familiar faces. I’m happy.”

Last week, he packed his car and drove the 18 hours from Melbourne to Brisbane to re-establish his life.

Daugunu is returning to the Reds as a more versatile player. He played almost exclusively at outside centre for the Rebels after making his name as a winger.

“For me, it was a good chance to go to Melbourne. I played a lot at outside centre and enjoyed the defensive role where you read the play by connecting with your inside centre and the winger on the outside,” Daugunu said.

“I’ve spent most of my career playing on the wing. I’m happy to play the position where I’m needed.

“The news has been tough for the Rebels but you have to move on.”

The popular Daugunu burst onto the scene in 2017 after arriving unheralded from his homeland of Fiji.

He carried his speed and try-scoring for the Wests club into even more prolific deeds for Queensland Country. He crossed for a hat-trick of tries in Country’s 42-28 win over Canberra Vikings in the grand final of the 2017 National Rugby Championship.

Daugunu’s dash generated 22 tries for the Reds in six seasons and his play has earned him seven Test caps to date.

His recent elevation into the Wallabies squad of new coach Joe Schmidt shows how highly his experience and form are valued.

At 98kg, Daugunu also adds a powerful frame to the Reds’ backline options.