Teenage Bull Sharks rugby sensation Kingsley Uys has been selected in the Reds squad for the Super Rugby Next Gen Series.
Uys was the starting loosehead prop in the Red's 47-31 win over the Brumbies in Canberra in their season opener.
The 2026 John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship recipient has undergone a hectic introduction to University as he juggles his commitments with Bond Rugby and a Sports Management degree with his training sessions at Ballymore as part of the Queensland Reds development program.
The 18-year-old will now test himself against the best young players in the country in the Under 20s Next Gen Series.
But the Southport School alumnus is equally anxious to see what impact he can have for Bond.
“I’m super excited to play for Bond,” Uys said.
“I have already made so many connections at the university and can’t wait to perform on the field.”
Standing at 6’4 and weighing over 120 kilograms, the loosehead prop brings an imposing physical presence to the field, but has been working overtime to close the physical gap to his more seasoned training partners at Ballymore.
“The intensity and strength factor is the biggest difference in stepping up from school level to a professional squad,” he said.
“Every tackle, every run, every gym session…there is no slacking, everyone’s going 100 per cent.
“When you’re squatting 140 kilograms and the person next to you is doing 240 kilograms, you’re sitting there going, ‘Wow, there’s levels to this,’ but I don’t think of it as how far behind I am - it just shows how far I can go.’”
While some players blast heavy metal or rap music to get themselves into the zone before a game, the 18-year-old has a different approach.
“Some people play music to get themselves into the right mood before a game, but I try and calm down or else I’d be bringing too much energy,” he said.
“I’ll literally be having a joke until the whistle is blown. You’ve just got to be able to flip the switch and I don’t like flipping it until the last second.”
Known for his impressive footwork and soft hands, Uys credits father Darren, a former high-level lock in South Africa, for helping to instil the mental and physical resilience that drives him.
“Dad definitely keeps me on track when it comes to me wanting to have a day off or whatever it may be, he keeps me fit.”
“He helps to make sure my off-field actions are complimenting my actions on-field.”
Bond will open their season when they host University of Queensland for the Brailsford-Brown Cup against University of Queensland on 28th March.