Marika Koroibete named in extended Wallabies squad for two Test matches against South Africa

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has added an overseas-based star to Australia’s squad for the two upcoming Test matches against South Africa.

Marika Koroibete has been recalled to the Wallabies squad. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Japan-based winger Marika Koroibete has been recalled to an extended Wallabies squad for this month’s two Rugby Championship Tests against South Africa.

The 32-year-old former Melbourne Rebels star, who has played his club rugby for the Saitama Wild Knights since 2021, was not called home for Australia’s recent matches against Wales and Georgia.

However, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has named Koroibete, who has been capped 59 times, as the only overseas-based player in his 36-man squad for Tests against the Springboks in Brisbane on August 10 and Perth a week later.

There was reported speculation that Schmidt would also recall Will Skelton, however the powerful France-based lock was not named.

Also called into the squad were prop Angus Bell, Paris Olympian Corey Toole, West Australian junior Carlo Tizzano, versatile Queensland Reds forward Seru Uru, Brumbies flanker Luke Reimer and the Waratahs’ Max Jorgensen.

Winger Marika Koroibete has been named in the latest Wallabies squad. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“There was plenty of discussion among the coaches but we’re hopeful that the squad selected will embrace the challenge of playing South Africa over the next fortnight or so,” Schmidt said.

“We know there’s a lot of hard work to do ahead of those Test matches and we’re looking forward to getting back together as a group on Saturday and rolling up our sleeves.

“The players enjoyed the vocal support we received during the July Tests, and they will be looking to earn continued public support over the coming weeks.”

Those not chosen in the squad include injured Reds forwards Liam Wright and Fraser McReight.

Wallabies squad: Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa. Angus Bell, Angus Blyth, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost. Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea , Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Luke Reimer, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Seru Uru, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson; Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright.

Originally published as Marika Koroibete named in extended Wallabies squad for two Test matches against South Africa