Three Melbourne Rebels have been selected in the Australia U20 preliminary squad for next year’s international campaign.
Homegrown duo Divad Palu and Judah Saumaisue have been named alongside Joey Fowler in Nathan Grey’s 45-man Australian U20 preliminary squad to begin preparations for an expanded international campaign in 2024. Leafi Talataina was not considered due to injury.
Grey, along with assistant coaches Shannon Fraser and the newly-appointed Laurie Fisher, will take an active role in the players' training and development ahead of the squad's first camp in Canberra in February.
In May next year Australia will host the first-ever Under-20 Rugby Championship, presenting the team with a valuable opportunity to test themselves against New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina.
The inaugural tournament will be an important precursor to Australia's campaign at the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.
"We are excited with the talent that has emerged from this year's Super Rugby Men's U19 tournament, and we believe the players we have selected have the potential to make a significant impact on the international stage," Grey said.
“Our coaching team is dedicated to providing them with the support and guidance they need to flourish and represent Australia with pride."
Australia U20 Preliminary Squad:
Forwards
Jack Barrett – Waratahs
Bryn Edwards – Waratahs
Jackson Stiel – Waratahs
Harvey Cordukes – Brumbies
Toby Macpherson – Brumbies
Dane Sawers - Force
Lachlan Hooper - Brumbies
Pat Sowerby - Reds
Sam Sahyoun- Brumbies
Tevita Alatini – Brumbies
Ollie McCrea - Waratahs
Charlie Brosnan – Reds
Joe Liddy - Reds
Arnie Tancred - Waratahs
Judah Saumaisue - Rebels
Macarius Pereira – Reds
Boston Morete – Brumbies
Drew Brndusic – Brumbies
Pat Gavin – Reds
Caleb Karangaroa – Force
Ben Di Staso – Waratahs
Manaia Tetana – Force
Jack Harley – Brumbies
Lington Leli – Brumbies
Backs
Dan Nelson – Brumbies
Cullen Gray – Brumbies
Lleyten Tautua - Brumbies
Divad Palu - Rebels
Jackson Ropata – Waratahs
Archie Saunders – Waratahs
Will McCulloch – Reds
Doug Philipson – Force
Joey Fowler – Rebels
Jakob Biet – Brumbies
Jullien Caillol – Waratahs
Kauri Tipene-Grace – Force
Angus Staniforth – Brumbies
Billy Dickens – Waratahs
Will Nason – Reds
Jarrah McLeod – Brumbies
Frankie Goldsbrough – Reds
Tiam Toufan – Force
Shane Wilcox – Brumbies
Eli Sagala – Brumbies
Thomas Hayes – Brumbies
Not considered due to injury or Super Rugby Pacific commitments
Oniti Finau
Trevor King
Nick Bloomfield
Ben Daniels
Leafi Talataina
Dom Thygesen
Ryan McGloin
Max Jorgensen
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Ronan Leahy
