Dynamic Darling Downs duo named in Australian rugby squad

Two former Darling Downs rugby union junior have been rewarded for their 2022 Super Rugby performances. The talented pair have been named in the Australia A squad to tour Japan.

RUGBY: Two former Darling Downs juniors have the chance to stake their Wallabies jersey claims next month.

Hamish Stewart and Harry Hoopert have been named in the 34-player Australia A squad for a three-match tour against Japan XV in Japan in October.

“It’s great to have these three matches coming up to continue the development and give our players more game time against high level international opposition,” Australia A coach Jason Gilmore said.

“With Dave Rennie’s guidance, we’ve picked the best possible players who are available and everyone’s really excited to put the work in on the training paddock and perform well over in Japan.”

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 18: Hamish Stewart of the Reds takes on the defence during the round five Super Rugby Pacific match between the ACT Brumbies and the Queensland Reds at GIO Stadium on March 18, 2022 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Stewart, who played his junior rugby for Toowoomba Grammar School, earned selection in the squad after another solid year for the Queensland Reds.

The talented centre however will line up for a new club in 2023 having joined Western Force.

“I’ve had a really good time at the Reds,” Stewart told Queensland Reds media after the news of his departure was made public.

“They gave me my first crack at Super Rugby, and I’ll always be extremely grateful for the club.

“I’m sad to go, but I know they’re in good hands with the staff and playing group there at the moment.”

The former Junior Wallabies star, who featured in the Brad Thorn coached championship-winning Queensland U20s and Queensland Country sides in 2017, made his Reds debut in 2017 and played 72 games for the club.

Hoopert is currently a member of the Queensland Reds and played junior rugby for Grammar and the Dalby Wheatmen.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: Harry Hoopert of the Reds is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a try during the round 13 Super Rugby match between the Rebels and the Reds at AMI Park on May 10, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)