The Junior Wallabies squad for the Oceania Championship has been unveiled.
Coach Jason Gilmore has named four players with Super Rugby experience among his squad, though Hamish Stewart and Rob Valetini were not considered for selection due to Super Rugby duties and injury, respectively.
While the absence of Stewart and Valetini will undoubtedly hurt the Australian hopes of claiming the Oceania crown for the first time, Tate McDermott, Harry Hockings, Semisi Tupou and Jordan Petaia will all feature prominently.
Isaac Lucas will also have the chance to follow in his three older brothers’ footsteps and impress at flyhalf.
“The playing group is really looking forward to kicking off the International season," coach Jason Gilmore said.
“The Oceania Rugby U20s Championship presents us with the opportunity to continue the progress we have made with quality opposition and each side presents their own different challenge.
“It’s the first step for us in a big year with the World Rugby U20s Championship in May and June just around the corner and the players are keen to get underway.”
The Oceania U20s Championship kicks off on Friday, April 27 at Bond University, broadcast LIVE on RUGBY.com.au.
SQUAD
Forwards
Charlie Hancock, NSW, prop
Tom Ross, ACT, prop
Justin Sikimeti , ACT, backrow
Patrick Tafa, NSW, backrow
George Francis, NSW, prop
Josh Kemeny, NSW, backrow
Hugh Margin, NSW, lock
Harry Hockings, QLD, lock
Angus Blyth, QLD, lock
Matt Faessler, QLD, hooker
Harry Hoopert, QLD, prop
Tom Kibble, QLD, backrow
Efi Ma'afu, QLD, hooker
Josh Nasser, QLD, prop
Fraser McReight, QLD, backrow
Sama Malolo, VIC, hooker
Esei Ha'angana, VIC, backrow
Trevor Hosea, VIC, lock
Backs
Mack Hansen, ACT, fullback
Len Ikitau, ACT, centre
Ryan Lonergan, ACT, scrumhalf
Isiah Latu, ACT, centre
Bayley Kuenzle, NSW, flyhalf
James Ramm, NSW, wing
Lawson Creighton, QLD,fullback
Tony Hunt, QLD, centre
Tate McDermott, QLD, scrumhalf
Hayden Sargeant, QLD, wing
Isaac Lucas, QLD, flyhalf
Jordan Petaia, QLD, centre
Harrison Goddard, VIC, scrumhalf
Semisi Tupou, VIC, fullback
FIXTURES
Oceania U20s Championships
Friday April 27
New Zealand vs Tonga, 5pm AEST
Australia vs Fiji, 7pm AEST
Tuesday May 1
New Zealand vs Fiji, 3pm AEST
Australia vs Tonga, 5pm AEST
Saturday May 5
Fiji vs Tonga, 5pm AEST
Australia vs New Zealand, 7pm AEST
