The Australian U20s program is a significant development and international benchmark program within the ARU’s system to develop and select SuperRugby and Wallaby players of the future. The national U20 team competes annually in the iRB Junior World Championships and has proved to be a major proving ground for the next generation of Wallaby players.
A series of training and selection camps conducted within the National Academy framework starting in November of the previous year enables the ARU HPU to select its squad of 26 players. Many players selected have already made their SuperRugby debut adding to the quality of the squad and of the international tournament.
The iRB Junior World Championships is conducted throughout the world providing valuable touring and international exposure. Recent Junior World Championships have been held in Argentina (2010) and Italy (2011) with the 2012 and 2013 Championships scheduled for South Africa and France respectively. Prior to the iRB Junior World Championships, Australian teams competed at U19 and U21 iRB World Championship level.
The program is supported strongly by the ARU HPU with all departments contributing to the program including coaching, strength and conditioning, medical and performance analysis support.
Recent Australian U20s Wallaby Graduates
Players that have competed for the Australian U20s and graduated to being capped at Wallaby level include:
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Kurtley Beale
Quade Cooper
Ben Daley
Rod Davies
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Will Genia
Rob Horne
Ben McCalman
James O’Connor
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David Pocock
Rob Simmons
James Slipper
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