Reds lose Simmons and Houston
Reds head coach Nick Stiles said Simmons, who has played 112 Times for the Reds, has been an excellent servant to the state and the code in Queensland over the past nine years.
"These conversations are never easy, especially with players who have been with Queensland since they started and who have given their all for the State and the organisation," Stiles said.
"However, we believe that the future lies with the players who started the game in Samoa last weekend and with other emerging second-row talent that has come through our Under-20s program.
"The reality is that all Australian Super Rugby teams have to make decisions based on future priorities, as well as salary cap limitations. 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 QRU has also allowed loose forward Leroy Houston to be released from the second year of his Reds contract for personal reasons.
Nick Stiles said: "Leroy has been a great contributor to the squad this year and while he has had injury concerns to contend with through the middle part of the Super Rugby campaign, we agreed to his request for an early release on personal grounds."
