Joe Schmidt names 36-man Wallabies squad to take on Fiji

Joe Schmidt has named a 36-man Wallabies squad to assemble on Sunday ahead of their lone Test of 2025 against Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on July 6. The squad comprises 20 forwards and 16 backs.

Two fresh faces earn their first call-ups. Western Force back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies winger Corey Toole have forced their way into the squad after standout Super Rugby Pacific seasons.

The only absentees through injury are centre Charlie Cale, prop Massimo De Lutiis and flanker Liam Wright.

There was no room for Wallabies veteran James O’Connor, despite his stellar season with the Crusaders. Japanese based duo Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete were also left out of the squad

The recall of experienced operators adds steel to the group. Hooker David Porecki returns to the national fold for the first time since leading the side in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, while lock Will Skelton stands as the squad’s sole overseas-based selection.

Australia’s pack blends heft and mobility. Allan Alaalatoa (80 caps), Angus Bell (35) and James Slipper (143) form the seasoned core, flanked by dynamic carriers such as Matt Faessler (14) and Darcy Swain (17). Up front, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini and Taniela Tupou provide versatility.

In the backs, Noah Lolesio (29 caps) at fly-half and Len Ikitau (39) in midfield reprise their roles from 2024. Andrew Kellaway (39) and Tate McDermott (41) offering composure in the 15 and nine jerseys respectively. Hunter Paisami brings punch in attack, while uncapped Toole adds genuine X-factor out wide.

A logistical nuance sees five Force players remain in Perth to prepare for their club’s fixture against the British & Irish Lions on June 28. Schmidt will bolster the wider training group with seven additional names in the interim.

Schmidt was frank about the sting of selection. “Selection is always tight and there’ll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed. As coaches there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we’ve selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad,” he said.

He emphasised the challenge ahead: “There’s some continuity from last year, plus a few new or returning players, who have forced their way into the mix through strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific. This squad’s immediate focus is Fiji, and we will need to hit the ground running having not been together since early January.”

Fiji’s unpredictably and physical approach will test Australia’s defensive cohesion. Beyond Newcastle, the Wallabies head straight into one of the most anticipated series in world rugby – the three-Test showdown with the British & Irish Lions, kicking off at Suncorp Stadium on July 19 before fixtures at the MCG on July 26 and Accor Stadium on August 2.

Wallabies squad (Wallaby number, first Australian Rugby club, Super Rugby Pacific club, Test caps)

Forwards (20)

Allan Alaalatoa (#896, West Harbour Juniors, ACT Brumbies, 80)

Angus Bell (#940, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 35)

Nick Champion De Crespigny (uncapped, Canberra Grammar School, Western Force, 0)*

Matt Faessler (#969, USQ Saints, Queensland Reds, 14)

Nick Frost (#953, Hornsby Lions, ACT Brumbies, 25)

Langi Gleeson (#960, Harbord Harlequins, NSW Waratahs, 14)

Tom Hooper (#964, Bathurst Bulldogs, ACT Brumbies, 10)

Fraser McReight (#937, Albany Creek Brumbies, Queensland Reds, 25)

Zane Nonggorr (#966, Gold Coast Eagles, Queensland Reds, 10)

Billy Pollard (#958, Lindfield Junior Rugby Club, 6)

David Porecki (#952, Seaforth Raiders, NSW Waratahs, 19)

Tom Robertson (#898, Dubbo Kangaroos, Western Force, 31)*

Will Skelton (#883, Wentworthville Magpies, 32)

James Slipper (#843, Bond Pirates, ACT Brumbies, 143)

Darcy Swain (#941, JCU Mariners, Western Force, 17)*

Carlo Tizzano (#982, University of Western Australia, Western Force 5)

Taniela Tupou (#917, Brothers Rugby (Brisbane), NSW Waratahs, 58)

Rob Valetini (#929, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 52)

Jeremy Williams (#973, Wahroonga Tigers, Western Force, 10)

Harry Wilson (#933, Gunnedah Red Devils, Queensland Reds, 22)

Backs (16)

Filipo Daugunu (#931, Wests Rugby Club (Brisbane), Queensland Reds, 11)

Ben Donaldson (#962, Clovelly Eagles, Western Force, 16)

Jake Gordon (#925, Canterbury Juniors, NSW Waratahs, 29)

Len Ikitau (#944, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 39)

Max Jorgensen (#984, Balmain Wolves, NSW Waratahs, 7)

Andrew Kellaway (#943, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 39)

Noah Lolesio (#934, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 29)

Tom Lynagh (#977, University of Queensland, Queensland Reds, 3)

Tate McDermott (#936, Flinders Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 41)

Hunter Paisami (#932, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 31)

Dylan Pietsch (#978, Leeton Phantoms, Western Force, 5)*

Harry Potter (#989, Moorabbin Rams, Western Force, 2)

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (#988, The Kings School, NSW Waratahs, 4)

Corey Toole (uncapped, Wagga Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, 0)

Nic White (#875, Maitland Blacks, Western Force, 71)*

Tom Wright (#939, Clovelly Eagles, ACT Brumbies, 37)

*indicates player will remain in Perth to prepare for the Western Force fixture against the British & Irish Lions on Saturday June 28 before joining the squad in Newcastle.

Unavailable for selection due to injury

Charlie Cale

Massimo De Lutiis

Liam Wright

Wider training squad members while select players above remain in Perth

Tane Edmed

David Feliuai

Darby Lancaster

Ryan Lonergan

Isaac Kailea

Matt Philip

Rory Scott