Reds star Tom Lynagh headlines 30-player Junior Wallabies squad

Reds playmaker Tom Lynagh will represent the Junior Wallabies at the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa, with Rugby Australia confirming the squad on Wednesday.

Following a “successful” trip to New Zealand, the 30-player squad for the prestigious age-grade rugby event has been revealed.

Just as he did in New Zealand, Waratahs halfback Teddy Wilson will captain the Junior Wallabies in South Africa. Force backrower Ned Slack-Smith and Reds hooker Max Craig are the vice-captains.

Looking to win the tournament for the first time ever, coach Nathan Grey said “it will take a squad effort” to achieve their goal.

“After completing a successful tour to New Zealand, we are excited to represent Australia in Cape Town and test ourselves against the rest of the world,” Grey said.

“All players who have been part of the program this year have worked extremely hard together to give our team the best opportunity for success.

“It will take a squad effort to deliver performances we are proud of and achieve our goal of winning the tournament.

#OPINION After more than 20 years of Bledisloe Cup pain, there’s a golden light at the end of the tunnel for the #Wallabies.
✍️ @FinnMorton5 #BledisloeCup #RugbyWorldCup2023 #rugby #SuperRugbyPacific #JuniorWallabies https://t.co/db8v7OFTsM

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) May 30, 2023

“The Barbarians game will be the final piece of the preparation puzzle, getting us match-ready and physically prepared for what we will face in South Africa.”

The Junior Wallabies will take plenty of positives and belief out of the two-match series across the ditch, which saw them win the first clash by eight points.

But they weren’t able to go back-to-back.

Australia went down swinging in the second match at Sky Stadium – losing a thriller 19-18 ahead of the Hurricanes’ clash with the Crusaders.

The Junior Wallabies will assemble in Sydney before a final match against a Barbarians side, before traveling to South Africa on June 17.

Australia will face Fiji, England and Ireland in pool play, with the event getting underway later this month on June 24.

Junior Wallabies squad

Reds

Taj Annan

Nick Baker

Nick Bloomfield

John Bryant

Max Craig (vc)

Trevor King

Tom Lynagh

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips

Tim Ryan

Harrison Usher

Force

Ronan Leahy

Jhy Legg

Marley Pearce

Ned Slack-Smith (vc)

Brumbies

Liam Borwon

Massimo De Lutiis

Lachlan Hooper

Toby McPherson

Klayton Thorn

Rebels

Mason Gordon

Darby Lancaster

DanieL Maiava

Leafi Talataina

David Vaihu

Waratahs

Jack Barrett

Jack Bowen

Ollie McCrea

Henry O’Donnell

Jacksob Ropaata

Teddy Wilson (c)