Wallabies make forced changes to April Camp squad

Sun, Apr 16, 2023, 1:56 AM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Harry Wilson and Lachlan Swinton have been called into the Wallabies squad. Photo: Getty Images
Harry Wilson and Lachlan Swinton have been called into the Wallabies squad. Photo: Getty Images

Head coach Eddie Jones has been forced into a number of changes ahead of the start of the Wallabies Camp on the Gold Coast tomorrow.

Ned Hanigan, Len Ikitau, David Porecki, Blake Schoupp and Darcy Swain have all been ruled out after suffering concussions in their Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific fixtures over the weekend.

While back rowers Pete Samu and Langi Gleeson are also unavailable, the former having picked up an ankle injury against the Fijian Drua and Gleeson yet to fully recover from a calf strain.

They will be replaced in the 33-man squad by Waratahs duo Lachlan Swinton and Izaia Perese, while Brumbies pair Rhys Van Nek and Rory Scott have been named in the national set-up for the first time.

Queensland teammates Matt Faessler and Ryan Smith have also earned their first Wallabies call-ups, with Wallaby number 933 Harry Wilson named as a back row replacement.

The squad will fully assemble on the Gold Coast tomorrow for a three-day camp.

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones said: “While we feel for the players who have been ruled out, it provides an opportunity for those who will now come into camp.”

“This camp will set the tone ahead of the Test season and we know we’re going to need a fast start.”

2023 eToro Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup Fixtures

Wallabies v South Africa, 5:05pm SAST/1:05am AEST, Saturday 8 July at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Wallabies v Argentina, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday 15 July at CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies v New Zealand, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday 29 July at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Wallabies v New Zealand, 2:35pm NZST/12:35pm AEST Saturday 5 August at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

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