BRISBANE – Wallaby Coach Michael Cheika has unveiled his 40-man squad ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship starting in Brisbane on July 18.
Immediately utilizing the new player contracting policy, Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau have been recalled to the Wallaby squad for the first time since 2011 when they both left for France. Also returning to the squad after a stint overseas is Waratah and former Exeter Chief Captain Dean Mumm who’s decision to return to the Waratahs swiftly after the conclusion of the Chiefs’ season is vindicated.
The uncapped players to make the squad include Reds battering ram centre Samu Kerevi, Waratah Taqele Naiyaravoro, Rory Arnold from the Brumbies and Rebel Toby Smith.
Among the notable omissions from the squad include Karmichael Hunt, James O’Connor, Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander and Nick Cummins.
EXTENDED WALLABY SQUAD
Rory Arnold (Brumbies), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs), Kurtley Beale (Waratahs), Quade Cooper (Reds), Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
James Hanson (Reds), Scott Fardy (Brumbies), Tetera Faulkner (Force), Israel Folau (Waratahs), Bernard Foley (Waratahs), Will Genia (Reds), Matt Giteau (Toulon), Scott Higginbotham (Rebels), Greg Holmes (Reds), Michael Hooper (Waratahs), Rob Horne (Waratahs)
James Horwill (Reds), Samu Kerevi (Reds), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies), Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Drew Mitchell (Toulon), Wyclif Palu (Waratahs), Ben McCalman (Force), Sean McMahon (Rebels)
Dean Mumm (Waratahs), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs), Nick Phipps (NSW Waratahs), David Pocock (Brumbies), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs), Scott Sio (Brumbies), Rob Simmons (Reds), Will Skelton (Waratahs), James Slipper (Reds), Toby Smith (Rebels), Henry Speight (Brumbies), Matt Toomua (Brumbies), Joe Tomane (Brumbies), Nic White (Brumbies)
Debutants italicised