Former Wallabies fly-half Carter Gordon is returning to rugby, Rugby Australia confirmed on Monday, with the 24-year-old signing with RA and the Queensland Reds until the end of 2028.
His contract takes effect immediately and makes him eligible for the Wallabies' northern hemisphere tour kicking off against Japan on Saturday October 25 in Tokyo.
Gordon earned eight Test caps in his two years wearing the gold jersey and was named the Wallabies starting fly-half for the side's opening Rugby World Cup clashes against Georgia and Fiji before he was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament through injury.
Growing up in Nambour, Queensland, Gordon said he was excited to return to rugby and play for his childhood club the Reds.
"I'm stoked to return to the game I grew up playing and loving as a kid, especially with the opportunity to represent the team I grew up supporting, the Queensland Reds," Gordon said in a statement.
"I've watched both Queensland and the Wallabies from afar over the past year or so, and the journey they're on motivates me to want to work hard and contribute positively on and off the field.
"I'd also like to thank the Gold Coast Titans for the opportunity to grow as a player and person at their club and for all their support for me and my family over the past 16 months. I wish the players and the staff all the best for what's ahead."
Gordon's departure from the game was a body blow for the code during a tumultuous 12 months that saw Eddie Jones leave the Wallabies set-up and the Melbourne Rebels booted from Super Rugby Pacific [SRP].
"We are pleased Carter is returning to rugby after excelling as a junior with Sunshine Coast Grammar, Brisbane Boys' College and Wests in Brisbane before taking the step up to Super Rugby and Test arena at a young age," Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said.
"Carter's signing will ensure additional healthy competition at the Reds and the Wallabies and provides him with a two-year runway to make his case for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
"Rugby Australia has taken a strategic approach to player contracting this World Cup cycle and we are delighted to bring Carter back into the system."
Gordon will join Lynagh at the Reds currently under head coach Les Kiss who will finish his tenure in Queensland at the end of the SRP season before taking on his new role as Wallabies head coach in June.
"It is great news that Carter has returned to rugby and we look forward to welcoming him back here to the Reds," Kiss said.
"Carter is a quality player who no doubt deepens our playing options in the key positions of fly-half, fullback and inside centre.
"In every Super Rugby Pacific season, there are challenges with how byes are placed and travel periods. Increasing depth across our squad is definitely helpful."