Born in America lock Josh Canham has agreed to a two-year contract with the Queensland Reds, and he will head north from Melbourne to Brisbane. The 23-year-old has finished three productive seasons of improvement with the Super Rugby Rebels.
Canham has had a promising career thus far and has demonstrated a lot of potential. The product of Brighton Grammar School and Melbourne’s Harlequins Rugby Club was selected for the Junior Wallabies squad a few years ago and has since skyrocketed.
In2022, the second rower made his Melbourne Rebels debut in their round three loss to the Fijian Dura. During that season, he started six out of ten games. Canham made his debut in each of the season’s ten games and maintained his strong play in 2024.
Canham only saw action off the bench twice during the Rebels’ Super Rugby Pacific season. For the first four rounds, coach Kevin Foote liked to play the young player at loosehead lock before moving him to the No. 5 jumper.
However, Canham had to find a new rugby team to further his growth after the Rebels’ final game. Canham feels the Reds were the appropriate club to go on with after playing senior club rugby on the Gold Coast.
“I like the Reds’ style of play. I observe a quick, skillful game, particularly in the way the forwards and backs interact. I’m excited to be involved in it,” Canham stated in a release.
“I’ve spoken with the coaches and players, and everything I’ve heard indicates that it’s a positive work environment.”I do love to throw an offload or two, because (former Wallaby) Scott Higginbotham was my favorite player growing up,” he continued.
Following the Rebels’ quarterfinal Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Hurricanes, the 2.02 m lock posted a touching statement on Instagram. The young person wrote, “Forever grateful for @melbournerebels helping live out my dream.”
Canham featured a photo of himself with Scott Higginbotham, the same guy he had referred to as his “favorite player growing up.” As the following chapter awaited writing, the post’s message was undoubtedly relevant.
Canham will continue to play for Victoria while wearing a Reds shirt starting in the upcoming season, following in the footsteps of many other legendary Reds players such as Higginbottom, James Horwill, and many more.
It’s a peculiar one. The friendships and ties I have at that club are almost like having a tiny break-up,” Canham thought.
“Although it’s certainly disappointing, the other Australian Super Rugby teams will be stronger and more formidable opponents for the Kiwi teams.
“In a way, I’ll still be representing Victorian rugby. No matter where you participate, you are speaking for representation.