It’s ‘France here we come’ for the 28 players named today in the Junior Wallabies squad that will compete at the World Rugby U20s Championship later this month.

Drawn in Pool A, the young Aussies kick-off their tournament against Wales at the Stade de la Mediterranee, Béziers on Thursday 31st May. Up next will be Japan, and finally New Zealand, in what promises to be a challenging round of fixtures for the squad and head coach Jason Gilmore.

“We have a tough Pool with Wales, Japan and New Zealand, who all offer three different styles of rugby, and we will need to be ready for the three challenges,” says Gilmore. “The hard work steps up now for this squad after Oceania, and the players and staff are looking forward to getting back into camp.” 

The Junior Wallabies will reconvene for a camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra on Thursday 17 May, before heading to Europe.

*********************

2018 Junior Wallabies Squad, World Rugby U20s Championship

Forwards 

Angus Blyth, Bond University, QLD

Matt Faessler, Brothers, QLD

George Francis, Eastwood, NSW

Esei Ha’angana, Melbourne Unicorns, VIC

Harry Hockings, University of Queensland, QLD

Josh Kemeny, Sydney University, NSW

Harry Hoopert, Brothers, QLD

Trevor Hosea, Harlequins, VIC

Efi Ma’afu, Wests, QLD

Sama Malolo, Endeavour Hills, VIC

Fraser McReight, Brothers, QLD

Josh Nasser, University of Queensland, QLD

Tom Ross, Gungahlin, ACT

Rory Suttor, Sydney University, NSW

Patrick Tafa, Norths, NSW

Rob Valetini, Wests, ACT

Backs

Lawson Creighton, Brothers, QLD

Mack Hansen, Gungahlin, ACT

Tony Hunt, Norths, QLD

Len Ikitau, Vikings, ACT

Bayley Kuenzle, Southern Districts, NSW

Isiah Latu, Queanbeyan, ACT

Ryan Lonergan, Vikings, ACT

Isaac Lucas, Sunnybank, QLD

Tate McDermott, University of Queensland, QLD

Matt McTaggert, Easts, NSW

Jordan Petaia, Wests, QLD

Semisi Tupou, Box Hill, VIC

*********************

POOL A FIXTURES:

Thursday 31st May

Australia v Wales, 5.00am AEST, Stade de la Mediterranee, Bézier

Sunday 3rd June

Australia v Japan, 10.00pm AEST, Stade de la Mediterranee, Bézier

Friday 8th June 

Australia v New Zealand, 5.00am AEST, Stade Aime-Giral, Perpignan