Izaia Perese, born on May 17, 1997, is a professional rugby player from Australia. He is known for his versatility, playing at both centre and wing positions. He currently represents the Waratahs in Super Rugby and has also played for the Australian national team, known as the Wallabies.
Perese began his rugby career in rugby league, playing for the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League (NRL). However, he made a switch to rugby union, joining the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby.
Prior to his professional career, Perese played junior rugby league for Brisbane Brothers and represented the Queensland under-16 rugby league team.
In 2014, Perese attended Anglican Church Grammar School, where he played alongside future NRL and professional rugby union players. He was also selected for the Australian Schoolboys rugby union team during this time.
In 2015, he joined Queensland Country in the National Rugby Championship, showcasing his skills as an outside back.
Perese made his Super Rugby debut for the Queensland Reds in 2017 and went on to make a total of 17 appearances for the team over three seasons. He was recognized for his performances and was named in the Wallabies squad for The Rugby Championship in August 2017, although he did not earn a cap.
In December 2018, Perese was released from his contract with the Reds. He later announced his return to rugby union, signing with Bayonne in the French Top 14. However, he ultimately joined the Waratahs in Super Rugby, signing a contract until 2024.
With the Waratahs, Perese shifted from playing as a winger to a centre.
In addition to his rugby union career, Perese briefly returned to rugby league in 2019, joining the Brisbane Broncos on a train-and-trial deal. He made his NRL debut for the Broncos in round 22 of the 2019 season.
Despite some off-field challenges and legal issues, Perese has shown great potential and skill as a powerful ball-carrier. He had a breakout season in 2021 with the Waratahs, earning recognition and winning the Matt Burke Cup in his debut season at the club.
In March 2022, he signed a new two-year deal, committing to the Waratahs until the end of the 2024 season.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Perese has been named in the training squad for Australia.
KG(07/07/2023)
Career
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Leicester Tigers Outside Centre |
2024 - present |
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Australia U20's Inside Centre |
2017 - 2017 |
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Queensland Reds Left Wing |
2016 - 2019 |
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Queensland Country Left Wing |
2015 - 2020 |
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Bayonne Left Wing |
2020 - 2020 |
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Barbarians Outside Centre |
2021 - 2021 |
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Australia Left Wing |
2017 - 2024 |
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NSW Waratahs Outside Centre |
2021 - 2024 |
