Confirmed Wallabies End of Year Tour Squad Revealed

Australia’s Wallabies have officially announced a squad of 34 players for their End of Year Tour. Among the selections are uncapped Queensland players Aidan Ross and Kalani Thomas, who are anticipated to make their international debuts. Ross, a loosehead prop, joined the squad in July, while scrumhalf Thomas was part of the training camp in Perth, where he trained alongside recently retired player Nic White.

Included in the squad is Carter Gordon, who recently returned to Australian Rugby with the Queensland Reds. The 24-year-old made his Wallabies debut in Pretoria in 2023 and has since started five of the eight Tests in his inaugural international season, including two matches at the Rugby World Cup.

Western Force winger Dylan Pietsch is back after recovering from a broken jaw, while Andrew Kellaway has also been selected after missing the last two Tests against New Zealand due to a calf injury. Several athletes from the Australia A squad, including Matt Faessler, Josh Canham, Pete Samu, and Hamish Stewart, will join the Wallabies in Tokyo following their game against Japan XV in Osaka on October 18.

End of Year Tour Details

The Wallabies’ tour features five consecutive Tests against international teams. Their schedule is as follows:

• Against Japan in Tokyo on October 25
• Against England in London on November 2
• Against Italy in Udine on November 9
• Against Ireland in Dublin on November 16
• Against France in Paris on November 23

This tour marks the first time the Wallabies will compete in Japan since 2021 and in Italy since 2022. The squad, consisting of 19 forwards and 15 backs, will gather in Sydney on Thursday evening for training and the Rugby Australia Awards before heading to Tokyo.

Coach Joe Schmidt’s Vision

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt shared insights into the squad’s readiness. He acknowledged the demanding nature of this year’s Test season but expressed confidence that the players are eager for the challenge. Schmidt said, “Both Aidan Ross and Kalani Thomas are fully fit and ready to contribute.”

Tom Lynagh, still recovering from injuries, will follow a specialized program with guidance from the Wallabies and Queensland staff to ensure his complete fitness. Schmidt mentioned the possibility of involving overseas-based players during the World Rugby Regulation 9 window later in the tour.

Wallabies Squad Overview

The Wallabies aim to build on their recent performances as they face formidable opponents on their End of Year Tour. With new talents and experienced players in the mix, the team is poised for competitive matches ahead.