Brumbies scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will lead Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup opener against Samoa in Suva on July 2
Lonergan was elevated to captain during the Brumbies' round six win over Western Force and is joined by vice-captains Fraser McReight and Reece Hodge.
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“I’ve been extremely impressed with Ryan’s (Lonergan) ability to lead his Brumbies side over their successful Super Rugby Pacific campaign," head coach Jason Gilmore said in a statement.
“He’s certainly the right man for the job and pairing him in front of two already proven leaders in McReight and Hodge as vice captains build us a pretty inspiring leadership group."
The Brumbies scrumhalf is joined by Waratahs breakout star Tane Edmed in the halves as Australia A return to the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time since 2008.
Hodge slots into fullback, joined by standout wingers Mark Nawaqanitawase and Jock Campbell, with Lalakai Foketi and Hamish Stewart completing the backline.
Meanwhile, McReight headlines a strong forward pack as Sevens standout Tim Anstee and former Junior Wallabies teammate Will Harris slot into the back-row.
They are joined by Fijian-born Seru Uru and Reds standout Ryan Smith, with Matt Gibbon, Billy Pollard and Tom Robertson completing the tight five.
Force captain and Wallaby Feleti Kaitu'u has been named as part of the reserves alongside Harry Hoopert and recent call-up Archer Holz.
Holz is joined by fellow late additions Hugh Sinclair, James Tuttle and Hudson Creighton.
“We’ve had to make some extremely tough decisions leading up to game one with many players missing out on a jersey that certainly deserves it," Gilmore added.
“It just shows the extraordinary level of depth we currently have in Australian Rugby and I think this competition will only yield successful results for the program.
“I think there are a lot of players who have a point to prove in this side and it’s going to be interesting to see how they play when they get the opportunity this Saturday.”
The game will be shown live and ad-free on Stan Sport from 11:00 am.
1.Matt Gibbon – Melbourne Rebels
2.Billy Pollard - Brumbies
3.Tom Robertson – Western Force
4.Seru Uru – Queensland Reds
5.Ryan Smith – Queensland Reds
6.Tim Anstee – Western Force
7.Fraser McReight (VC) – Queensland Reds
8.Will Harris - NSW Waratahs
9.Ryan Lonergan (C) - Brumbies
10.Tane Edmed – NSW Waratahs
11.Jock Campbell – Queensland Reds
12.Hamish Stewart – Queensland Reds
13.Lalakai Foketi – NSW Waratahs
14.Mark Nawaqanitawase – NSW Waratahs
15.Reece Hodge (VC) – Melbourne Rebels
Reserves
16.Feliti Kaitu’u – Western Force
17.Harry Hoopert – Queensland Reds
18.Archer Holz – NSW Waratahs
19.Hugh Sinclair – NSW Waratahs
20.Langi Gleeson- NSW Waratahs
21.James Tuttle – Melbourne Rebels
22.Hudson Creighton – Brumbies
23.Dylan Pietsch – NSW Waratahs
