Paddy Ryan replaces Ben exander in Qantas Wallabies Squad

NSW Waratahs tighthead prop Paddy Ryan will be elevated into the Qantas Wallabies 32-man Castrol EDGE France Tour squad with Ben Alexander being given an opportunity to rehabilitate an ongoing nerve compression injury.

The decision to remove Alexander from the squad has come by mutual agreement following discussions between the player, ACT Brumbies, Qantas Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie and Australian Rugby Union medical staff.

McKenzie said all parties agreed it would be in the best interests for Alexander to use the Test window to get his body right for the remainder of the Rugby schedule this year.

“The injury is one I understand quite well being a former tighthead prop and while not a sinister issue, it can significantly influence performance due to the impact it has on a player’s overall strength,” McKenzie said.

“In Ben’s instance, it has been admirable to see him push through the pain at a Super Rugby level.

“However, when you consider the challenge we’ll face against an extremely physical and abrasive French scrum, we all agreed it would be better suited for Ben to use the upcoming period to rehab the injury and re-gain his strength.”

Ryan, who was already joining the squad in camp as one of four additional training squad members, will now be a member of the official 32-man squad.

Melbourne Rebels tighthead prop Laurie Weeks will now join the Qantas Wallabies as an additional training squad member for the opening stages of camp.