How players can impress for Jnr Wallabies ahead of World U20 rugby championships, Nathan Grey

Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey is getting a close-up look at his squad in a camp but there’s another way for players - and outsiders - to impress ahead of the World U20 rugby titles.

Albert Alcock in the NSW Waratah’s U19 match against the ACT Brumbies in round two of the U19 rugby championships 2022. Pic: Julian Andrews

Junior Wallabies coach Nathan Grey is getting a close-up look at his current squad in a camp this week but there’s another way for players - and outsiders - to impress ahead of the World U20 rugby championships later this years.

Grey and coaching staff are putting squad of 40 potential Junior Wallabies through their paces ahead of their World U20 championship campaign in late June.

Selectors recently culled the squad down from it’s original 46.

Grey said the week-long camp, culminating with a game between squad members on Sunday, is an important part of the build-up to the world championships.

But also crucial for players and selectors will be their own local club rugby competitions across Australia.

Grey said club, colts and other relevant competitions - including the Shute Shield in NSW and the Premier competition in Queensland - will form a major part of the selection process of the Australian team competing in South African later this year.

Jamie Clark playing for the NSW Waratah's Gen Blues in the U19 rugby championships. Pic: Julian Andrews

“Colt and grade football will be enormous,” Grey said.

“It will be a big part of the players preparations.

“Everyone will get their the opportunity and others get the chance to put their hands in the air.

“This is a dynamic squad. We can still add in.’’

“We’ve got it kicking off in March in Queensland, the Shute Shield is in April, Canberra is in April and the comp in Perth is in March.”

The current Junior Wallabies squad boasts players from across NSW, Queensland, Victoria, WA and the ACT.

Jack Bowen makes a break for Easts in the Shute Shield last year.

JUNIOR WALLABIES 2023 SQUAD FOR FEBRUARY CAMP

NSW Waratahs: Jack Barrett (Randwick), Jamie Clark (Sydney Uni), Albert Alcock (West Harbour), Fritz Jahnke-Tavana (Eastwood), Ollie McCrea (Eastern Suburbs), Jaydon Viliamu (Randwick), Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs), Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs),

James Hendren (Randwick), Archie Saunders (Warringah), Henry O’Donnell (Northern Suburbs), Max Jorgensen (Randwick). #Darby Lancaster not considered due to AU Sevens commitments

Queensland Reds: Floyd Aubrey (GPS) Taj Annan (Souths) Tom Lynagh (UQ), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Souths) Willem Johnstone (Souths) George Stoddart (Easts) John Bryant (Souths), Ben Daniels (Brothers), Nick Bloomfield (Easts), Harrison Usher (Bond)

ACT Brumbies: Liam Bowron (Royals), Massimo De Lutiis (Wests), Lachlan Hooper (Tuggeranong), Klayton Thorn (Gungahlin), Henry Palmer (Tuggeranong), Austin Anderson (Wests), Matias Jensen (Randwick).

Jack Barrett celebrates after scoring for the Gen Blues.

Western Force: Marley Pearce (Joondalup Brothers), Ned Slack-Smith (Palmyra), Ryan McGloin (Joondalup Brothers), Caleb Karangaroa (Wandaroo).

Rebels: Patrick Lavemai (Melbourne Harlequins/Wests Bulldogs), Daniel Maiava (Wyndham Rhinos/Wests Bulldogs), Leafi Talataina (Endeavour Hills), Mason Gordon (Wests Bulldogs), David Vaihu (Wests Bulldogs), Lebron Naea (Endeavour Hills/Wests Bulldogs), Zac Hough (Wests Bulldogs)

Albert Alcock on the burst for the NSW Waratah's Gen Blue U19s team in the last rugby championships. Pic: Julian Andrews

WORLD RUGBY UNDER 20 CHAMPIONSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Junior Wallabies are being aimed at the World Rugby U20 championships in South Africa in Cape Town and Western Cape from June 24 to July 14.

The tournament is returning after three cancelled event from 2020 to 2022.

The event throws the spotlight on future stars of the game with Australia is in Pool B with England, Ireland and Fiji.

Pool A has France, Wales, New Zealand and Japan in it with Pool C boasting the host nation, South Africa, Argentina, Italy and Georgia.

The 2023 event is the second time South Africa has hosted the tournament with the Junior Springboks winning the crown back in 2012.

France are the current holders of the Cup after winning the crown back in 2019.

Australia has yet to win the prestigious title.

However, Australia has featured in numerous finals, including in 2010 against New Zealand and 2019 where France won 24–23.

New Zealand won in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015 and 2017.

France has won the tournament title twice with victories in 2018 and 2019.

England is a three-time winner with victories in 2013, 2014, and 2016.

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