The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies are excited to announce that 10 members of the clubs academy have been selected for the Australian Under 20's to contest the World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 in South Africa.
Leading out the side as captain will be lock Toby Macpherson, with number nine Dan Nelson to follow closely behind as the vice-captan.
John I Dent Cup side Gungahlin Eagles will boast three representatives with Tevita Alatini, Kadin Pritchard and Jack Harley all lining up for the side. Also providing three players of their own is the Canberra Royals through backs Jarrah McLeod and Angus Staniforth joining vice-captain Nelson in the side.
Rounding out the Brumbies representatives in the side is Harvey Cordukes, Shane Wilcox and Lington Leli.
The players will assemble in Sydney next week to finalise preparations before departing for Cape Town. Australia will face Georgia, Ireland and Italy in the U20 Championship pool stage, kicking off on 29 June. "We've selected an exciting group of players who have been delivering impressive performances for their club sides over the last few weeks," Australia U20 head coach Nathan Grey said. "The opportunity for these young men to now come together and represent Australia on the world stage is truly special. "What awaits us in Cape Town is a formidable challenge, starting with our three pool opponents in Georgia, Italy and Ireland. "However we're prepared and ready to embrace that challenge." Grey's coaching team has been bolstered by the inclusion of former Wallabies Matt Cockbain and Ben Mowen, who will serve alongside Shannon Fraser as assistant coaches in Cape Town. The U20 Championship represents the pinnacle of international age-group Rugby and is renowned for providing the game's future stars with a platform to shine before reaching Test level.
The full draw for the tournament is available here.
Australia U20 Championship Squad:
ACT Brumbies
Tevita Alatini - Gungahlin Eagles
Harvey Cordukes - Uni-Norths Owls
Toby Macpherson – Uni-Norths Owls
Jarrah McLeod – Canberra Royals
Dan Nelson – Canberra Royals
Angus Staniforth – Canberra Royals
Shane Wilcox - Tuggeranong Vikings
Jack Harley - Gungahlin Eagles
Lington Ieli - Tuggeranong Vikings
Kadin Pritchard - Gungahlin Eagles
Melbourne Rebels
Ottavio Tuipulotu - Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club
Australian Sevens
Aden Ekanayake – Gordon Rugby Club
Queensland Reds
Nick Bloomfield – Easts Rugby Club
Frankie Goldsbrough - Easts Brisbane
Trevor King – Souths Rugby Club Brisbane
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Souths Rugby Club Brisbane
Dominic Thygesen - University of Queensland
William McCulloch - Norths Brisbane
NSW Waratahs
Jack Barrett – Randwick Rugby Club
Ben Di Staso – Eastern Suburbs
Bryn Edwards - Sydney University
Ollie McCrea – Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club
Archie Saunders – Warringah Rugby Club
Eamon Doyle - Sydney University
Hwi Sharples - Sydney University
Joe Dillon - Manly Marlins
Oniti Finau - Randwick Rugby Club
Western Force
Boston Fakafanua - Sydney University
Ronan Leahy - Sydney University
Dane Sawers – Kalamunda Districts Rugby Union Club
