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Mere months after recruiting damaging prop Eva Karpani, the Queensland Reds have pounced on another Wallaroos star from south of the border by snapping up Test halfback Layne Morgan.
The 25-year-old let the cat out of the bag throughout the week by revealing on Instagram that she was departing Daceyville less than a year after leading the NSW Waratahs to a drought-breaking Super Rugby women’s title.
But hitherto her destination has remained unclear, with some fearing she might be on her way to the northern hemisphere or switching codes.
The Roar can reveal though that the Reds have bolstered their halves, with Morgan to provide new coach Andrew Fraser a one-two punch with Nat Wright making her Test debut last year.
Wallaroos star Layne Morgan will join fellow Test halfback Nat Wright at the Queensland Reds. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
It’s believed Morgan’s defection up north is for personal reasons, with the 25-year-old one of the most popular members at the Waratahs in recent years.
“Taking a trip down memory lane to where it all began, as I close this incredible chapter with the Waratahs,” she wrote on Instagram recently.
“From the highs on the field, to the friendships and lessons off it, this journey has shaped me in ways I’ll never forget.
“To my teammates, coaches, and the incredible Tahs fans – thank you for everything. Your support has meant the world to me, and the memories we’ve made will always hold a special place in my heart.
“As one door closes, another one opens… but for now, I’ll just say thank you. #167.”
Morgan’s defection hasn’t been supported by every corner of Australian rugby given Wright is just 22 and the Super Rugby women’s competition is a rapid-fire tournament, but there’s no reason why the minutes can’t be split as they pair compete for starting honours.
In a World Cup year, the competition for spots will likely help Jo Yapp’s quest to lead the Wallaroos into the top four of August’s showpiece event too.
Desiree Miller (L) and Layne Morgan were instrumental in the Waratahs’ Super Rugby women’s success at Ballymore Stadium on April 28, 2024. (Photo by Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images)
More pressingly, Morgan’s ability to snipe and keep defences guessing will help the Reds after the Queenslanders struggled to repeat their run to the final a year earlier.
Playing behind Karpani won’t just help Morgan but halves partner Carys Dallinger, who went from rookie of the year in 2023 to out of the side under Yapp last year.
The fresh faces come off the back of last December’s news that Australian sevens stars Charlotte Caslick, Maddison and Taegan Levi and Isabella Naser will feature for the Reds in a bid to feature in Yapp’s Wallaroos World Cup side.
The Reds take on a Penina Pasifika side at Ballymore on March 1, before taking on Fijiana Drua in Lautoka on March 8 in their Super Rugby women’s opener.
But given the defection of Morgan and Karparni to the Reds, all eyes will be on their clash with the Waratahs at home on March 16.
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