Australia U20 head coach Nathan Grey has announced his squad to contest the World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 in South Africa.
Nine NSW Waratahs players have been named in the 30-man squad: Jack Barrett, Ben Di Staso, Bryn Edwards, Ollie McCrea, Archie Saunders, Eamon Doyle, Hwi Sharples, Joe Dillon, and Oniti Finau.
The 30 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.
ACT Brumbies lock Toby Macpherson will captain the side, with scrumhalf Dan Nelson named vice captain.
"We've selected an exciting group of players who have been delivering impressive performances for their club sides over the last few weeks," 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:
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
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
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
Western Force
Boston Fakafanua - Sydney University
Ronan Leahy - Sydney University
Dane Sawers – Kalamunda Districts Rugby Union Club
Melbourne Rebels
Ottavio Tuipulotu - Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club
Australian Sevens
Aden Ekanayake – Gordon Rugby Club
