The Wallabies have confirmed Duncan Paia’aua and Colby Fainga’a will join the squad for the remainder of the Spring Tour.
Wallabies officials confirmed on Tuesday evening (Australian time) the pair would join ahead of this week's clash with Scotland at Murrayfield.
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Paia’aua was the first player to be selected in the Wallabies squad under the amended 'Giteau's Law’ for 2021, joining for the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship.
He would return to Toulon after the end of the tournament, however, the withdrawals of Quade Cooper and Samu Kerevi coupled with Reece Hodge’s injury has left the Wallabies thin in the midfield and playmaker department.
The 26-year-old will be pushing for selection, having expressed his desire to show his improvements on his return to Wallabies camp in July.
“I’ve grown so much as a player since when I left,” Paia’aua said.
“I’ve played with a lot of experienced players during my time at Toulon and I’ve just picked up how they prepare for games and their bodies every week for the games.
“My skill set has improved a lot also so hopefully I can get the chance to show that.”
Rennie and the Wallabies also recalled Noah Lolesio last week despite initially leaving him at home to allow him to get a proper pre-season with the Brumbies.
Meanwhile, Fainga’a comes in the squad looking to emulate the feats of older brothers Saia and Anthony.
The 30-year-old played 101 Super Rugby games for the Rebels and Brumbies before making the move to Irish club Connacht in 2018, linking up with former Brumbies coach Andy Friend.
After winning players’ player in his first year with the club, he would join Top 14 club Lyon in 2020.
It caps a remarkable comeback for Fainga’a, who admitted in the past he had believed the Wallabies dream was over.
“Wallabies was always the goal,” he said via The42 in 2019.
“Obviously, it didn’t eventuate and I stuck in Australia for as long as I thought was necessary.
“Making the decision to come overseas was purely based on wanting to get some experience outside Australia. My family is still young, the kids don’t need to go to school yet, so this was the right time to do some travelling and get that experience.”
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