Rugby Australia announces Australia U16s squad

Thu, Nov 9, 2023, 11:59 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Australia U16s side has been named to face a Pacific All Stars side. Photo: Supplied
The Australia U16s side has been named to face a Pacific All Stars side. Photo: Supplied

Rugby Australia has announced the creation of an Australia U16s squad after the Super Rugby U16s competition.

The 25-player squad will take on a Pacific All-Stars team on December 12 at the AIS Rugby Field.

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The Super Rugby U16s champion NSW Waratahs dominate the squad with 12 selections.

This includes number eight Justice Taumoepeau, named player of the match in the Final, a 22-8 win over the Queensland Reds.

The Reds account for eight selections, with second-rower Bennett Armistead and prop Berakah Tuifaasisina regular selections in the Team of the Week selected by National Pathways Manager Nic Henderson.

Brumbies back Denzel Veikune has also been included after scoring four tries in his last three games.

Veikune is one of three Brumbies named along with Cameron Kirsten and Liam Collett.

Western Force centre Peni Naqau is a deserved inclusion after a breakout year for the side whilst Louis Treacy is the lone Rebel selected.

The side will be coached by Tim Rapp, Cam Blades, and Ryan Schultz, designed to further the pathway development heading into a crucial period in Australian Rugby.

“We’ve picked an extremely talented squad out of the Super Rugby U16s Championship that will come into camp on December 8 at the AIS," Henderson said. 

"Starting with the upcoming game against the Pasifika All Stars, this will be the first of many opportunities for these young men to pull on a gold jersey and represent their country.  

“It’s exciting to think there are players in this squad that could be our Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and we’re looking forward to harnessing and encouraging that talent.” 

Australia U16s 2023 Squad

Forwards  

Bennett Armistead, Reds 

Berakah Tuifaasisina, Reds 

Daryus Sione, Waratahs 

Ed Baxter, Waratahs 

James Finegan, Waratahs 

Jarvis Orr, Waratahs 

Justice Taumoepeau, Waratahs 

Kiama Jione, Reds 

Kingsley Uys, Reds 

Lewis Wilson, Waratahs 

Liam Robinson, Reds 

Marcus Mastro, Waratahs 

Louis Treacy, Rebels 

Will Ross, Reds 

Backs

Angus Grover, Waratahs 

Cameron Kirsten, Brumbies 

Denzel Veikune, Brumbies 

Finn McKay, Reds 

Heamasi Makasini, Waratahs 

Liam Collett, Brumbies 

Onitoni Large, Waratahs 

Peni Naqau, Force 

Rex Bassingthwaighte, Waratahs 

Tom Hartman, Waratahs 

Treyvon Pritchard, Reds 

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