Gordon recalled to Wallabies for tour of Japan and Europe

Carter Gordon has been recalled to the Wallabies for next month’s five-test tour of Japan and Europe after rejoining Australian rugby with the Queensland Reds, the national team announced on Monday. The 24-year-old playmaker was added to a 34-man squad ahead of matches in Tokyo, London, Udine, Dublin and Paris, a move intended to bolster Australia’s playmaking options amid a slate of injuries.

Gordon’s return to the 15-a-side game follows a brief stint in the National Rugby League with the Gold Coast Titans. The Titans agreed to release him a year early after Rugby Australia reportedly paid a six-figure transfer fee, clearing the way for Gordon to sign a deal with the Reds through the end of 2028. He played one NRL match after a campaign disrupted by injury and featured in lower-tier competitions while with the Titans before making the switch back to union.

Coach Joe Schmidt said the squad faced a demanding tour and welcomed the additions. "The challenge certainly does not get any easier with five consecutive Tests on the road against high-quality international opposition but, in saying that, I think the squad will relish the challenge and players will work hard to be as...