Wallabies announce 36-player squad ahead of international season

The squad - assembling on Sunday - comprises of 20 forwards and 16 backs, with Western Force back rower Nick Champion de Crespigny and ACT Brumbies winger Corey Toole the only two uncapped players selected.

NSW Waratahs hooker David Porecki has been named in the national set up for the first time since captaining the team in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, while another former leader, Will Skelton, is the only overseas based player in the 36.

Babinda-born Darcy Swain also earns a recall to the Wallabies squad after strong form for the Western Force during the Super Rugby Pacific season, while most-capped Wallaby James Slipper remains on track to feature in back-to-back Lions Series.

The backline remains mostly settled from those that pulled on the gold jersey throughout 2024.

Due to the schedule for the wider British & Irish Lions Series, Perth-based players De Crespigny, Dylan Pietsch, Tom Robertson, Swain and Nic White will remain on the west coast to prepare for the Western Force's match against the Lions on Saturday July 28, before joining the Wallabies squad in Newcastle.

During their absence, seven players will be added to the wider group as the Wallabies continue to prepare for the Test against Fiji.

"Selection is always tight and there'll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed," said Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt.

"As coaches there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we've selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad."

"There's some continuity from last year, plus a few new or returning players, who have forced their way into the mix through strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific. This squad's immediate focus is Fiji, and we will need to hit the ground running having not been together since early January."

Forwards

Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Fraser McReight, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, David Porecki, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson,

Backs

Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.

READ MORE: Felipe Contepomi names experienced Argentina side for British and Irish Lions clash