Future Wallabies to wear Aussie jersey for first time as Waratahs, Reds dominate Australia U16 squad
They have been rivals some days, teammates on others and now this close-knit group of young rugby players will share the honour of wearing an Australian uniform for the first time.
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They have been rivals some days and teammates on others and now this close-knit group of young rugby players from NSW will share the honour of wearing an Australian uniform for the first time next month.
The selection of an Australian U16s side gives the rugby world its first real look at the future stars of the game from down under and some of the players their coach Tim Rapp “100 per cent’’ believes will reach the height of the sport to become future Wallabies.
Fast, tough, big and physical, these 25 teens are the future of the sport and special according to Rapp.
“They are future Wallabies, 100 per cent,’’ Rapp said after naming his squad for a match against the NSW Waratahs U17s in December.
“I’m seeing the depth get greater in this age group and the standard is going up.
“This is crucial exposure for them to elite rugby and what it can offer ahead of the Australian U18s.
“It’s a taste of what it could be like if they go on.’’
Dominating the squad are 13 Waratahs players who were all involved in an undefeated run in the Super Rugby U16s tournament to claims the Tahs third crown in a row in the major event now run annually alongside an U19s competition.
Heading this list is their talented captain Justice Justice Taumoepeau who has been identified as a future success from an early age, and is so good he played up a year in the Super Rugby U16s in 2023.
“Justice just continues to get better. He a real leader,’’ Rapp said.
Another standout of the 2024 competition big prop Nicholas Kotarac from Knox Grammar School and Wahroonga Tigers.
“Props are special people in rugby and there are some parallels with (Wallaby) Angus Bell at the same age,’’ Rapp said.
Also from the Waratahs is try scoring sensation Darcy Feltham, who scored five in one game alone this season, Aston Weir - “you just wind him up and let him go’’ - the talented Talen Risati, country gun Creighton Meafou, Cyrus Bloomfield, Harry Whitaker, Hasani Bloomfield,
Jarryd King, Oliver Smith, Selesitino Mainakavika and Tahj Smith
Unavailable for selection from the Waratahs was Flynn Farrell and Sam Polley.
Players will attend a development camp at Blacktown Exercise, Sports & Technology Hub from December 7 which will culminate in the Australia U16s v Waratahs U17s at Concord Oval on December 12.
“It’s fantastic to reward some of the standout performers from that (Super Rugby) competition with selection in the Australia U16s,’’ Rapp said.
“These players now have the opportunity to come together and continue their development and rugby education while pulling on the gold jersey as an Australian representative.
“There are also many talented players who have missed out on selection on this occasion however we will continue to monitor their development as they step up into next age group.”
Cameron Blades and Paul Cividin will work alongside Rapp as assistant coaches for the Australia U16 program.
Australia U16 rugby squad 2024: Agapetos Lote-Felo (Queensland Reds, The Southport School, Gold Coast Eagles), Aidan Wunsch (ACT Brumbies, Daramalan College), Alfie Bowman (Queensland Reds, Anglican Church Grammar School), Aston Weir (NSW Waratahs, The Scots College, Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club), Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage (Western Force, Byford Secondary College), Chase Bunce (Western Force, St Mark’s Anglican Community School), Creighton Meafou (NSW Waratahs, Edmund Rice College, Randwick Warriors). Cyrus Bloomfield (NSW Waratahs, Oakhill College, Dural Rugby Club).
Darcy Feltham (NSW Waratahs, Oakhill College, Hills Junior Rugby Club), Halaliku Lauhingoa (Melbourne Rebels, The Grange Secondary College), Harrison Asi (Queensland Reds, Brisbane Boys College), Harry Whitaker (NSW Waratahs, Newington College, Randwick Warriors), Hasani Bloomfield (NSW Waratahs, The King’s School, Hills Junior Rugby Club), Hemi Rakuita (Queensland Reds, Ipswich Grammar School), Jack Calleja (Queensland Reds, Ipswich Grammar School), Jarryd King (NSW Waratahs, Newington College, Randwick Warriors).
Justice Taumoepeau (NSW Waratahs, St Joseph’s College, Oatley Junior Rugby Club), Nicholas Kotarac (NSW Waratahs, Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga Tigers), Oliver Smith (NSW Waratahs, The King’s School, Norths Pirates Rugby Club), Selesitino Mainakavika (NSW Waratahs, St Johns College Dubbo, Dubbo Junior Rugby Club), Tahj Smith (NSW Waratahs, Barker College, Central Eastwood), Taione Taka (Queensland Reds, Brisbane Boys College, Wests Rugby Club), Talen Risati (NSW Waratahs, The King’s School, Dural Rugby Club), Visesio Kite (Queensland Reds, Anglican Church Grammar School), William Adrian de Klerk (Queensland Reds, Sunshine Coast Grammar School).
Unavailable for selection due to other Rugby commitments: Flynn Farrell (NSW Waratahs, Oakhill College, Blacktown Scorpions), Rohan Nichol (Queensland Reds, Sunshine Coast Grammar School), Sam Polley (NSW Waratahs, Oakhill College, Blacktown Scorpions).
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