Wallabies icon Kurtley Beale and 21-cap back-rower Rob Leota are amongst the five players announced for the First Nations Pasifika Invitational XV squad to face the Lions on July 22.
They are joined by Reds backrower Seru Uru, Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble and Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead as part of the first group confirmed for the inaugural match.
Coach Toutai Kefu believes the core group will ensure the squad will be competitive against the Lions while also celebrating the vast heritage of players in the game.
“Playing against the Lions in 2001 is a memory I will always treasure and I am excited, on behalf of all our players and staff, that a new generation will get to experience that same feeling,” Kefu said.
“To represent the many unique cultures of Australia and the Pacific in the one side is a truly special occasion for rugby and I know the players and staff feel a deep sense of honour entering this match against the Lions between the first and second Tests.
“In selecting Kurtley, Rob, Seru, Charlie and Andy we have demonstrated our intent to field a highly competitive squad against the Lions featuring players who are both experienced on the international and domestic stages and in strong form for their Super Rugby Pacific sides. It promises to be a thrilling contest and a significant moment in the history of rugby.”
Beale was a central part of the Wallabies’ 2013 British & Irish Lions tour, famously missing a penalty to win the first Test.
The 95-cap outside back has been named despite a hamstring injury ruling him out of the Western Force’s squad to face the Lions on Saturday at Optus Stadium.
As for Leota, the Melbourne-born, Samoan heritage flanker returns to Victoria eager to press his claims for a Test recall.
Leota joined the NSW Waratahs at the start of the year, set to head overseas in 2026.
He is joined by Tongan heritage and fellow Waratahs back-rower Gamble, who has spent time in the Wallabies squad in previous years.
Meanwhile, Fijian-born Uru debuted for the Wallabies last year, featuring in two Tests.
Muirhead rounds off the first batch of players after an excellent 2025 with the ACT Brumbies.
The Barunggam man finished equal fourth in tries (nine) and played every minute of the season - the only player to do so.
