BRISBANE, Australia (AP) Rob Simmons is set to be cut by the Queensland Reds, who have announced the 28-year-old international lock won't be signed for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
Simmons has played 72 tests for Australia, including World Cups in 2011 and 2015, and has played 112 times for the Reds since his debut in South Africa in 2009.
Reds coach Nick Stiles said he was looking to the future with a group of young second-rowers including 20-year-old Lukhan Tui and Izack Rodda. The Reds also have World Cup lock Kane Douglas in the squad but he, like Simmons, has taken a back seat in recent games to the younger locks.
Simmons and Douglas were both overlooked by Wallabies selectors in the squad for Australia's three tests this month against Fiji, Scotland and Italy.
''The reality is that all Australian Super Rugby teams have to make decisions based on future priorities, as well as salary cap limitations,'' Stiles said in a statement Tuesday. ''Rob will leave us at the end of the year with our best wishes and gratitude for the long service he has given Queensland.''
The 2011 champion Reds are fourth in the five-team Australian conference with just three wins from 13 matches this season.
