The BMW Australia U20s squad for the World Rugby U20s Championship in Manchester, England has been named.
The 28-man squad includes Queensland Reds trio Campbell Magnay, Lukhan Tui and James Tuttle and Sione Tuipulotu from the Melbourne Rebels. Qantas Australian Sevens squad member Simon Kennewell has also earned a call-up for next month’s tournament.
Fresh from its first-ever victory over New Zealand at U20s level in the Oceania Rugby U20s Championship, the squad will reassemble at the Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen for its final camp Wednesday 18 May before heading to Europe to kick off its latest World Championship campaign.
BMW Australia U20s Head Coach Adrian Thompson said: “To level the series against New Zealand highlighted the determination and ability of these players. However, the hard work starts here and we will have to step up for our final camp.
“Our Six Nations counterparts have a heavy focus on the set piece and this is an area we will have to counter accordingly. The players and coaches are looking forward to the next stage of our campaign as we prepare for Manchester.”
The World Rugby U20s Championship has proved a successful breeding ground for previous Australian players with David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Quade Cooper, Liam Gill and Sean McMahon all progressing from U20s level to full Test honours with the Qantas Wallabies.
Australia will play hosts England, Italy and Scotland in Pool B with the first match to kick off on Wednesday 8 June (AEST), with broadcast details still to be confirmed.
BMW Australia U20s fixtures for the 2016 World Rugby U20s Championship:
Australia v Scotland, Pool B, 8 June (KO 2.30am AEST), AJ Bell Stadium, Salford
Australia v Italy, Pool B, 11 June (KO 10.30pm AEST), AJ Bell Stadium, Salford
Australia v England, Pool B, 16 June (KO 4.45am AEST), AJ Bell Stadium, Salford
BMW Australia U20s squad for 2016 World Rugby U20s Championship:
Forwards:
Faalelei Sione, Brumbies U20s, Canberra Royals
Tyrel Lomax, Brumbies U20s, Tuggeranong Vikings
Vunipola Fifita, NSW Gen Blue U20s, Randwick
Ryan McCauley, NSW Gen Blue U20s, Eastern Suburbs
Shambeckler Vui, Western Force U20s, University of Western Australia
Josh Taylor, Queensland Reds U20s, Bond University
Richie Asiata, Queensland Reds U20s, Easts Tigers
Lukhan Tui, Queensland U20s, Brothers
Harry Hocking, Queensland U20s, University of Queensland
Maclean Jones, Queensland U20s, University of Queensland
Angus Scott-Young, Queensland Reds U20s, University of Queensland
Izack Rodda, Queensland Reds U20s, Easts Tigers
Liam Wright, Queensland U20s, Easts Tigers
Jordan Uelese, Melbourne Rebels U20s, Melbourne University
Rob Leota, Melbourne Rebels U20s, Melbourne University
Harley Fox, Melbourne Rebels U20s, Easts Tigers
Backs:
Nick Jooste, Brumbies U20s, Wests
Jordan Jackson-Hope, Brumbies U20s, Tuggeranong Viking
Simon Kennewell, NSW Gen Blue U20s, Randwick
Jack Maddocks, NSW Gen Blue U20s, Eastern Suburbs
James Tuttle, Queensland Reds U20s, GPS
Harry Nucifora, Queensland Reds U20s, Bond University
Mack Mason, Queensland Reds U20s, Easts Tigers
Izaia Perese, Queensland Reds U20s, Easts Tigers
Campbell Magnay, Queensland Reds U20s, GPS
Liam Jurd, Queensland Reds U20s, University of Queensland
Joey Fittock, Queensland Reds U20s, Sunnybank
Sione Tuipulotu, Melbourne Rebels U20s, Southern Districts
