Australian U20 squad surprise, stars for The Rugby Champs v Sth Africa, Argentina, NZ, team list

Country hardmen, sons of guns, an Olympic hopeful and young guns tearing it up in 1st Colts are part of a new wave of rugby hoping to make a mark on the international stage in May.

Warratah’s player Edwin Langi Picture: Julian Andrews

Country hardmen, sons of guns, an Olympic hopeful and young guns tearing it up in 1st Colts are part of a new wave of rugby hoping to make a mark on the international stage in May as part of an Australian U20s squad preparing for the 2025 World Cup.

NSW players - including Australian Sevens loan Sid Harvey from country NSW - dominate the 31-strong squad heading to South Africa but the club boasting the second highest representation is likely to surprise.

There are eight players from the ACT Brumbies in the new squad, two more than the Queensland Reds.

There are also three players from Western Force named for The Rugby championships U20 in South Africa which runs from May 1-11 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Coach Chris Whittaker said there were a number of Queenslanders unavailable for selection due to Super Rugby commitments or injury who could be back in the mix for selection for the World Cup, including Dre Pakeho.

“It is still wide open, this is not the World Cup squad,’’ said Whittaker after a camp with his young charges which included as game against Eddie Jones’ Japan U23 side.

Edwin Langi playing for the Waratahs in Super Rugby U16s. Pics: Julian Andrews

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“There’s plenty of footy to play yet and we will be watching them return to their clubs as well.’’

The young Australians will play New Zealand U20s, South Africa U20s and Argentina U20s in their major hit-outs ahead of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy in June and July.

“TRC U20 is about consolidating and adding layers to what we started together in Coffs Harbour last week as we continue to build up to the World Rugby U20 Championship,” Whittaker said.

Many players returned to their clubs for a round or two of Colts 1st rugby ahead of their departure.

Edwin Langi playing U18s for the Waratahs. Picture: Julian Andrews

Australian U20 squad for The Rugby Championships in South Africa:

Finn Baxter (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles), Nick Hill (NSW Waratahs, Warringah), Trevor King (Queensland Reds, Souths), Kaleb Ah-Colt (NSW Waratahs, Randwick), Edwin Langi (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs), Lipina Ata (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles), Ollie Barrett (Western Force, Associates RUFC), Charlie O’Kane (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs), Ollie Aylmer (ACT Brumbies, Gordon), Charlie Brosnan (Queensland Reds, Brothers), Eamon Doyle (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University), Joe Mangelsdorf (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University), Eli Langi (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings), Jacob Veiru (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs), Beau Morrison (ACT Brumbies, Sydney University), Tom Robinson (Queensland Reds, University of Queensland), Luca Cleverley (NSW Waratahs, Randwick), Toby Brial (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs), James Martens (Queensland Reds, GPS Rugby Club), Hwi Sharples (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University), Joe Dillon (ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals), Joey Fowler (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University), Boston Fakafanua (Western Force, Wests Scarborough), Malakye Enasio (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles), Liam Grover (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University), Cooper Watters (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs), Xavier Rubens (Queensland Reds, Souths), Nick Conway (Queensland Reds, Wests Bulldogs), Shane Wilcox (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings), Finn Prass (Western Force, Wests Scarborough), Sid Harvey (Australia Sevens)

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Originally published as Australian U20 squad surprise, stars for The Rugby Champs v Sth Africa, Argentina, NZ, team list