Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has named a 44-man squad for next week’s four-day training camp that will take place on the Gold Coast.
The big talking points from the squad are the inclusion of the currently ineligible dynamic loose forward Charlie Gamble, who becomes available for Wallaby selection in April, injured stars Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi will attend as well as the return from injury of Izack Rodda and Kurtley Beale from Europe.
The camp emphasises the load of preparation that teams will be undergoing in this World Cup year. Ian Foster recently announced that the All Blacks will convene for a camp at the end of January for a thorough review, the first time an All Black camp has been held at that time.
Rennie’s squad are reportedly in for a combination of on and off-field elements designed to prepare the squad for the 2023 season and of ultimately the World Cup.
Players and coaches in the side may also be hoping for the camp to provide some answers from the investigation into last year’s dramatic injury toll, as Rugby Australia promised an inquiry.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “What’s exciting for us is that over the past three years we’ve created genuine depth and competition of places.”
“Of the 44 players all bar two have worn the gold jersey over the past three years and there’s also several fringe players who still have an opportunity to force their way into the next camp through strong Super Rugby form.
“We’ll use the four days to make sure all players head back to their franchises with a clear understanding on what will give them the best chance of representing their country in a World Cup year.”
Props
Allan Alaalatoa (28, ACT Brumbies, 64 Tests)
Angus Bell (22, NSW Waratahs, 20 Tests)
Matt Gibbon (27, Melbourne Rebels, 5 Tests)
Tom Robertson (28, Western Force, 31 Tests)
James Slipper (33, ACT Brumbies, 127 Tests)
Sam Talakai (31, Melbourne Rebels, 1 Test)
Taniela Tupou (26, Queensland Reds, 47 Tests)
Hookers
Folau Fainga’a (27, Western Force, 38 Tests)
Lachlan Lonergan (23, ACT Brumbies, 8 Tests)
David Porecki (30, NSW Waratahs, 10 Tests)
Locks
Nick Frost (23, ACT Brumbies, 9 Tests)
Cadeyrn Neville (34, ACT Brumbies, 8 Tests)
Matt Philip (28, Melbourne Rebels, 27 Tests)
Izack Rodda (26, Western Force, 34 Tests)
Darcy Swain (25, ACT Brumbies, 17 Tests)
Loose Forwards
Charlie Gamble (26, NSW Waratahs, uncapped)
Langi Gleeson (21, NSW Waratahs, 3 Tests)
Ned Hanigan (27, NSW Waratahs, 28 Tests)
Jed Holloway (30, NSW Waratahs, 10 Tests)
Michael Hooper (31, NSW Waratahs, 124 Tests)
Rob Leota (25, Melbourne Rebels, 13 Tests)
Fraser McReight (23, Queensland Reds, 10 Tests)
Pete Samu (31, ACT Brumbies, 32 Tests)
Rob Valetini (24, ACT Brumbies, 30 Tests)
Harry Wilson (23, Queensland Reds, 12 Tests)
Scrumhalves
Jake Gordon (29, NSW Waratahs, 20 Tests)
Ryan Lonergan (24, ACT Brumbies, uncapped)
Tate McDermott (24, Queensland Reds, 21 Tests)
Nic White (32, ACT Brumbies, 59 Tests)
Flyhalves
Quade Cooper (34, Kintetsu Liners, 76 Tests)
Ben Donaldson (23, NSW Waratahs, 2 Tests)
Noah Lolesio (23, ACT Brumbies, 17 Tests)
Centres
Lalakai Foketi (28, NSW Waratahs, 5 Tests)
Len Ikitau (24, ACT Brumbies, 26 Tests)
Hunter Paisami (24, Queensland Reds, 24 Tests)
Izaia Perese (25, NSW Waratahs, 3 Tests)
Samu Kerevi (29, Suntory Sungoliath, 41 Tests)
Outside Backs
Kurtley Beale (33, NSW Waratahs, 95 Tests)
Jock Campbell (27, Queensland Reds, 4 Tests)
Reece Hodge (28, Melbourne Rebels, 62 Tests)
Andrew Kellaway (27, Melbourne Rebels, 21 Tests)
Mark Nawaqanitawase (22, NSW Waratahs, 3 Tests)
Jordan Petaia (22, Queensland Reds, 25 Tests)
Tom Wright (25, ACT Brumbies, 23 Tests)
