NSW Waratahs Gen Blue standouts v Reds, Brumbies, Australian schools, U18 team v Barbarians

A dozen NSW Waratahs Academy Gen Blue players have cracked the Australian schools and U18 team in the biggest representation of any state. Full team and match details.

Ronan Leahy on his way to scoring in a recent match.

NSW Gen Blue players dominate the 25-man Australian Schools and U18s squad confirmed on Tuesday to take on the Australian Barbarians side in Canberra this weekend.

In all, 12 NSW Waratah Academy players are in the squad with a number of others - including Max Jorgensen, Lachie Hooper, Archie Saunders and Oliver McCrea -

unavailable for selection due to injury and conflicting commitments.

Youngster Jorgensen, a fullback from Balmain who attends Joeys, is travelling with the Australia A side on their tour of Japan after recently being promoted at the Waratahs.

The squad, in Canberra training, will be coached by Shannon Fraser and boasts youngsters from all-five Australian Super Rugby Pacific clubs.

Waratah’s player James McGregor.

NSW dominates in numbers with 12 players, followed by the Queensland Reds with eight.

“It’s an exciting time for our Pathways programs with a refreshed U16 and U19 National competition now in place for October and the camp this week for our Australian Schools and U18s leading into the Barbarians game is an important part of our development strategy across the country,’’ said Rugby Australia General Manager, National High-Performance Programs, Adrian Thompson.

2022 AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS AND U18S SQUAD

Jack Barrett (NSW Waratahs, St. Joseph’s College Hunters Hill), Harry Bell (NSW Waratahs, St. Joseph’s College Hunters Hill), Nick Bloomfield (Queensland Reds, Easts Rugby Club Brisbane), Charlie Brosnan (Queensland Reds, Anglican Church Grammar School), Ben Daniels (Queensland Reds, Anglican Church Grammar School), Bryn Edwards (NSW Waratahs, Barker College). Oniti Finau (NSW Waratahs, Barker College), Joey Fowler (NSW Waratahs, St. Joseph’s College Hunters Hill), Caleb Karangaroa (Western Force, Aranmore Catholic College), Trevor King (Queensland Reds, Downlands College), Ronan Leahy (NSW Waratahs, St. Joseph’s College Hunters Hill), Joe Liddy (Queensland Reds, Easts Rugby Club Brisbane), Will McCulloch (Queensland Reds, Norths Rugby Club Brisbane), Ryan McGloin (Western Force, Joondalup Brothers Rugby Club), James McGregor (NSW Waratahs, Newington College), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Queensland Reds, Souths Rugby Club Brisbane).

Ronan Leahy in action.

Dan Nelson (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University Football club), Dre Pakaho (Queensland Reds, Anglican Church Grammar School), Douglas Phillipson (NSW Waratahs, Barker College), Jack Preston (ACT Brumbies, Queanbeyan Whites Rugby Club), Dane Sawers (Western Force, Kalamunda Districts RUC), Leafi Talataiina (Melbourne Rebels, Endeavour Hills RUC), Savelio Tamale (NSW Waratahs, Narrabeen Sports High), Hadley Tonga (NSW Waratahs, The King’s School), Jaydon Viliamu (NSW Waratahs, Newington College)

The match will be played on Sunday at 11am and livestreamed on rugby.com.au.

NSW WARATAHS DOWNED BY RIVALS BUT PLAYERS IN AUSSIE SQUAD

SEPTEMBER 25: They went in with confidence but Gen Blue U18 players emerged with two narrow losses against the Queensland Reds and Brumbies Academy teams on the weekend.

Gen Blue head a talent identification Andrew Cleverley said the results were disappointing but they were still standout performances.

The Gen Blue I side were pipped 28–26 by the Brisbane Reds and the Gen Blue II side beaten 31–29 by their Brumbies opposites.

Waratahs Gen Blue player Jack Barrett celebrates after scoring a try in a recent outing.

But in a positive for the program, 13 Gen Blue players have been named in the Australian Schools and U18 team to take on an Australian Barbarians side in Canberra this coming weekend.

Players will be attending a camp in Canberra this week ahead of the matches at the AIS.

The team will be coached by Shannon Fraser.

The Barbarians team will be made up of U19 players.

NSW Waratahs Under 18 player Oliver McCrea has had a standout season.

“We don’t like losing but we are happy so many are in,’’ said Waratahs head of talent Cleverley.

Standouts in the match between the Gen Blues and Reds - who the Waratahs teens beat earlier this year - included Savelio Tamale who has also made the national team.

“Oniti (Finau) was also very good off the bench and physical,’’ said Cleverly of the youngster who scored two tries.

“Another positive player was James McGregor and Joey Fowler had a strong kicking game.

All these players also made the selection cut.

In the earlier game against the Brumbies, Kaleb Ah-Colt from Cranbrook stood up with Liam Grover, a new face in the team, also impressing.

“He was elusive and dangerous for someone who has just come in,’’ Cleverley said.

“And Tom Livingston was as hard working as ever.’’

Aeden Ekanayake, Tom Klem, Liam Grover and Bostoin Fakafanua all went over for the Waratahs Academy II side with Henry James converting three.

The Gen Blue players to make the Australian squad are: Jack Barrett, Bryn Edwards, Harry Bell, Oliver McCrea (UNAVAILABLE), Jaydon Viliamu, Doug Philipson, Joey Fowler, Hadley Tonga, Savelio Tamale, Ronan Leahy, Oniti Finau, Dan Nelson, James McGregor.

ALL SCHOOLS ATHLETICS DAY 1

ALL SCHOOLS ATHLETICS DAY 2

Originally published as NSW Waratahs Gen Blue standouts v Reds, Brumbies, Australian schools, U18 team v Barbarians