The Wallabies have officially ushered in a new era under Eddie Jones, with the legendary coach commenting on a selection bombshell as part of a 34-player squad for the Rugby Championship.
Veterans Michael Hopper and James Slipper have already created history under Jones, with the “world-class” duo being named the first-ever co-captains of the Wallabies.
Hooper, who has captained the most Test matches in Wallabies history with 68, returns to the leadership role for the first time since stepping away from the game due to personal reasons.
The 31-year-old will lead the team alongside James Slipper, who is one of the most decorated players in the history of Australian rugby. The Brumbies prop has played the third-most games in Wallaby gold – and counting.
“Michael and James are both world-class players, strong leaders and embody what it means to be a Wallaby,” coach Eddie Jones said in a statement.
“They have worked hard with the leadership group since January, and it will be important they continue to have strong support from the players around them.
“Getting selected in the squad is just the start, we’ve got to build the team now and that will require hard work and getting a little bit more out of everyone involved.”
The Test centurions will lead a star-studded squad that includes an exciting number of uncapped players – but there have been some headline-grabbing omissions as well.
Noah Lolesio, Darcy Swain, Jake Gordon and Harry Wilson have all been left out, with Jones opting for five overseas-based players in the squad instead.
There’s no room for experienced playmaker Bernard Foley either, with coach Eddie Jones selecting rising star Carter Gordon alongside Quade Cooper.
In total, the Wallabies have named eight uncapped players – including Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan and former Australian Sevens ace Dylan Pietsch.
Bolters Josh Kemeny, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Tom Hooper and Richie Arnold will also be looking to make their Test debuts in 2023.
Former Wallabies captain James Horwill was calling for Arnold’s selection on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven this week, and the Super Rugby winner got his wish.
Just a week after winning the Top 14 title with Stade Toulouse in a thrilling win over European champions La Rochelle, Arnold has been called up for international honours.
Along with Arnold and Quade Cooper, coach Eddie Jones has selected Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete and Will Skelton as the three overseas players picked as part of the “Giteau Law.”
Under the Overseas Players Selection Policy, the Wallabies coach is able to apply to Rugby Australia’s Rugby Committee to select more than three players.
The Wallabies will assemble on the Gold Coast on Sunday ahead of their Rugby Championship opener against the Springboks in Pretoria next month.
Forwards
Allan Alaalatoa
Richie Arnold
Matt Faessler
Nick Frost
Matt Gibbon
Jed Holloway
Michael Hooper (cc)
Tom Hooper
Rob Leota
Fraser McReight
Zane Nonggorr
David Porecki
Pete Samu
Will Skelton
James Slipper
Taniela Tupou
Jordan Uelese
Rob Valetini
Backs
Quade Cooper
Lalakai Foketi
Carter Gordon
Reece Hodge
Len Ikitau
Marika Koroibete
Ryan Lonergan
Tate McDermott
Mark Nawaqanitawase
Izaia Perese
Suliasi Vunivalu
Nic White
Tom Wright
Utility
Ben Donaldson
Josh Kemeny
Dylan Pietsch
Rehab Group
Angus Bell
Langi Gleeson
Andrew Kellaway
Samu Kerevi
Jordan Petaia
Matt Philip
Not considered for selection due to injury
Max Jorgensen
Tom Robertson
Izack Rodda
Corey Toole
Train-On Squad
Charlie Cale
Josh Canham
Pone Fa’amausili
Folau Fainga’a
Charlie Gamble
Ned Hanigan
Tom Lambert
Lachlan Lonergan
Cadeyrn Neville
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Blake Schoupp
Darcy Swain
Lachlan Swinton
Sam Talakai
Brad Wilkin
Harry Wilson
Backs
Lachlan Anderson
Jock Campbell
Filipo Daugunu
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
Josh Flook
Bernard Foley
Jake Gordon
James O’Connor
Hunter Paisami
James Tutle
Joey Walton
Utility
Seru Uru
