Rugby Australia has announced the creation of an Australia U16s squad after the Super Rugby U16s competition.
The 25-player squad will take on a Pacific All-Stars team on December 12 at the AIS Rugby Field.
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The Super Rugby U16s champion NSW Waratahs dominate the squad with 12 selections.
This includes number eight Justice Taumoepeau, named player of the match in the Final, a 22-8 win over the Queensland Reds.
The Reds account for eight selections, with second-rower Bennett Armistead and prop Berakah Tuifaasisina regular selections in the Team of the Week selected by National Pathways Manager Nic Henderson.
Brumbies back Denzel Veikune has also been included after scoring four tries in his last three games.
Veikune is one of three Brumbies named along with Cameron Kirsten and Liam Collett.
Western Force centre Peni Naqau is a deserved inclusion after a breakout year for the side whilst Louis Treacy is the lone Rebel selected.
The side will be coached by Tim Rapp, Cam Blades, and Ryan Schultz, designed to further the pathway development heading into a crucial period in Australian Rugby.
“We’ve picked an extremely talented squad out of the Super Rugby U16s Championship that will come into camp on December 8 at the AIS," Henderson said.
"Starting with the upcoming game against the Pasifika All Stars, this will be the first of many opportunities for these young men to pull on a gold jersey and represent their country.
“It’s exciting to think there are players in this squad that could be our Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and we’re looking forward to harnessing and encouraging that talent.”
Forwards
Bennett Armistead, Reds
Berakah Tuifaasisina, Reds
Daryus Sione, Waratahs
Ed Baxter, Waratahs
James Finegan, Waratahs
Jarvis Orr, Waratahs
Justice Taumoepeau, Waratahs
Kiama Jione, Reds
Kingsley Uys, Reds
Lewis Wilson, Waratahs
Liam Robinson, Reds
Marcus Mastro, Waratahs
Louis Treacy, Rebels
Will Ross, Reds
Backs
Angus Grover, Waratahs
Cameron Kirsten, Brumbies
Denzel Veikune, Brumbies
Finn McKay, Reds
Heamasi Makasini, Waratahs
Liam Collett, Brumbies
Onitoni Large, Waratahs
Peni Naqau, Force
Rex Bassingthwaighte, Waratahs
Tom Hartman, Waratahs
Treyvon Pritchard, Reds
