The Australian Under 20s squad will include seven players with Super Rugby experience when they head to the IRB Junior World Championships in Auckland next month.
The 28-man squad includes Allan Alaalatoa and Tom Staniforth of the University of Canberra Brumbies; Lalakai Foketi and Sean McMahon of the RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels; David Horwitz of the NSW Waratahs; Luke Burton of the Western Force and Jonah Placid of the St.George Queensland Reds.
The squad was named after a 13-day training camp at Bond University on the Gold Coast, which included two matches against the Samoan Under 20s. Australia was successful in both of these clashes recording two strong wins (36-5 and 60-5).
Australian Under 20s Head Coach Adrian Thompson conceded that the final selection decision was difficult.
“We had a very strong squad this year that worked really hard to ensure the best outcome for themselves and for the team.”
“I am very happy with the squad we have selected and I am confident this side will be a real force in Auckland as we look to win the IRB Junior World Championship.”
If the Under 20s are successful it would be the first time Australia would have won the tournament.
Melbourne Rebels Forward Sean McMahon has been rewarded with the captaincy of the squad following recent strong performances with the Qantas Australian Sevens side and the Melbourne Rebels. Lalakai Foketi and Tom Staniforth have been named as vice captains.
“Sean is an excellent Rugby player and an inspiring leader”, Thompson said.
“He encompasses the values of Australian Rugby and will lead our side on and off the field with great distinction. He has really developed his breakdown and defensive skills at the Rebels”.
Australia will have the honour of playing the first match of the IRB Junior World Championship when they take on Argentina at ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe on Monday 2 June. This will be followed by matches against England on 6 June, and Italy on 10 June as the four sides battle to top Pool A.
National Under 20s Squad for IRB Junior World Championship:
Name
State
Club
Allan Alaalatoa
ACT
Uni Norths
Luke Burton
WA
UWA
Sam Croke
NSW
Norths
Jack Dempsey
NSW
Gordon
Lolo Fakaosilea
QLD
Sunnybank
Lalakai Foketi (vc)
VIC
Boxhill
Ross Haylett-Petty
WA
Cottesloe
David Horwitz
NSW
Randwick
Alifeleti Kaitu'u
NSW
Southern Districts
Andrew Kellaway
NSW
Randwick
Brad Lacey
WA
West Scarborough
Jake McIntyre
QLD
Sunnybank
Sean McMahon (c)
VIC
Endeavour Hills
Rory O’Connor
NSW
Manly
Cameron Orr
NSW
West Harbour
Jack Payne
QLD
Brothers
Rowan Perry
ACT
Vikings
Matthew Philip
NSW
Manly
Jonah Placid
QLD
Easts
Joseph Powell
ACT
Vikings
Angus Pulver
NSW
Sydney University
Tom Robertson
NSW
Sydney University
Andrew Robinson
ACT
Vikings
Harry Scoble
WA
UWA
Tom Staniforth (vc)
ACT
Royals
Jim Stewart
NSW
Sydney University
Jonny Vaux
NSW
Sydney University
Tevita Vea
NSW
Randwick
The Under 20s will have a nine-day Junior World Championship assembly camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen from Friday 20 May.
Australian National Under 20s IRB Junior World Championship Schedule:
Date
Opponent
Location
Time
June 2
Argentina
ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
11:35 AEST
June 6
England
QBE Stadium Auckland
15:35 AEST
June 10
Italy
ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
13:35 AEST
