Why Qld’s 18yo rugby prodigies Eli Langi and Nick Conway were named in Aus Under-20s to face New Zealand

Of Queensland’s six rugby products selected in the Australian Under-20s side set for battle against New Zealand, one might turn out to be the one that got away for the Reds. More here.

Nick Tucker

3 min read

April 30, 2025 - 6:00PM

News Sport Network

Eli Langi is one of six Queenslanders picked in the Australian Under-20s rugby team. Photo by Fiona Goodall.

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The Australian Under-20s rugby side will be spurred on by a sprinkle of Queensland flair in their Rugby Championships opener against New Zealand on Thursday at 10pm.

Queensland products Ollie Barrett and Eli Langi have been named at hooker and openside flanker respectively, while prop Trevor King, forward Charlie Brosnan, halfback James Martens and outside back Nick Conway will provide the finishing touches off the bench at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in South Africa.

The rise of Eli Langi, 18, to make this side a few short months after finishing school at Brisbane State High is even more impressive when taking into account the nimble backrower was late to the game of rugby.

“He didn’t start rugby until a bit later, he only started playing because his younger brother was playing,” said Australian Under-20s coach Chris Whitaker.

Eli Langi reels in lineout ball during the 2023 GPS rugby season.

Before taking up rugby, Langi was running amok on hardwood courts across South East Queensland as an emerging Sunnybank Hills Hurricanes basketballer.

Langi’s background running in transition, dishing out passes and grabbing rebounds has resulted in him becoming an elite lineout jumper, offloader and “all-rounder” on the rugby pitch.

“He’s got that complete skill set,” Whitaker said.

“His aerial skills, his ball handling skills, even finding space in congestion and finding support players.

“A lot of that probably comes from basketball. He definitely sees space and opportunities really well.”

Eli Langi wins a lineout in an Australian under-18s trial game. Picture: Anthony Edgar

Whitaker put it bluntly when he said: “His lineout jumping, outstanding. Defensively, outstanding. Ball in hand, his footwork, it’s outstanding.”

“If he keeps on that progression he’s going on, he’ll have a bright future.”

Langi was recruited into the ACT Brumbies Academy after a starring role in Brisbane State High’s GPS First XV rugby campaign culminated in Australian Under-18 selection last year.

It is understandable that Queensland could not find a spot for him in its academy given the quality of former Gregory Terrace breakaway Tom Robinson.

“Tom Robinson is not available. He has got a bit of a bump so we just want to make sure he is right to go before we put him in there and give him a go,” Whitaker explained.

“It is a good opportunity for Eli.

“He can spot a pick-and-go, he can spot an offload. He just seems to pick the right options a lot of the time.”

Sunnybank stud Langi is accompanied in the team by his school rugby rival last year, Nudgee College old boy Nick Conway.

Conway has the rare chance to play three years of Australian under-20s rugby, which Trevor King has achieved now embarking on his third campaign.

“He (Conway) brings lots of energy. He’s a really positive guy and is really good to have in the team,” Whitaker said.

Nick Conway celebrates the win during the match between Australia U18s and New Zealand Schools at FMG Stadium Waikato on October 06, 2024 in Hamilton, New Zealand. Photo by Fiona Goodall.

Whitaker is a firm believer that age doesn’t matter but rather performance.

Conway, as part of a Queensland development outfit, deployed his speed and footwork wonderfully in stunning showings against Wests and University first grade teams earlier this year to make Whitaker stand up and take note.

“He was a standout there … every time he touched the ball he was dangerous,” said Whitaker.

“He deserves his spot. Whether he is 20 or 18.”