Inverell junior Jock Campbell has been named to play his first Test in 1316 days, selected to start at fullback for the Wallabies first Test of the year against Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
Campbell, who last played for the Wallabies in their 2022 win over Wales in Cardiff, will link with 21-year-old Max Jorgensen and Wiradjuri man Dylan Pietsch in the back three for the sold-out Sydney Test.
Campbell’s Queensland teammate Josh Canham has been named for his first Test start, partnering Western Force captain Jeremy Williams in the second row.
ACT Brumbies leader Ryan Lonergan is another who has earned his first run-on in Wallaby gold. He’ll wear the number nine jersey, connecting with Carter Gordon who will play flyhalf.
Angus Bell returns from sabbatical in Belfast to start at loosehead prop against a number of his Ulster teammates. He’ll complete a front row that includes hooker Josh Nasser and the highly experienced Allan Alaalatoa.
Wallabies’ supporters will find a familiar backrow to start the 2026 Test campaign, with two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini selected at blindside flanker, Reds skipper Fraser McReight at openside and Harry Wilson captaining the side at no. 8.
2026 John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau starts at inside centre, two weeks after lining up for Exeter in the UK Premiership final. He’ll reconnect with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield – the 14th time they’ve started together in the Wallabies last 19 Tests.
Wallabies all-time appearance record holder James Slipper will officially make his comeback from Test retirement, named as the replacement loosehead prop – joining Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Paris-based Taniela Tupou in an experienced replacement front row.
23-year-old, Ipswich Rangers junior Lachlan Shaw has been named to make a potential Test debut as the replacement lock, with Exeter-based Tom Hooper to provide the remaining forward cover from the bench.
Livewire scrumhalf Tate McDermott makes his return to the Test arena via the pine, as does Brumbies fullback Tom Wright, after they both had their 2026 Wallabies campaigns curtailed by injury. Force playmaker Ben Donaldson rounds out the matchday 23.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The group has reconnected quickly and we’ve worked hard over the past week to prepare as best we can for what is an exciting challenge against the number three team in World Rugby."
“Kicking off 2026 at a sold-out Allianz Stadium gives the group a huge lift and we are fully focused on earning every bit of that home crowd support on Saturday.”
1. Angus Bell (50 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Josh Nasser (11 Tests) - #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (88 Tests) - #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Jeremy Williams (25 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
5. Josh Canham (2 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Rugby Club
6. Rob Valetini (62 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (39 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (36 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (5 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Carter Gordon (9 Tests) - #967; Sunshine Coast Grammar School
11. Dylan Pietsch (9 Tests) - #978; Leeton Phantoms
12. Len Ikitau (50 Tests) - #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (18 Tests) - #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (20 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Jock Campbell (4 Tests) - #959; Inverell Highlanders
Substitutes
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (25 Tests) - #918; Southern Districts
17. James Slipper (151 Tests) - #843; Bond Pirates
18. Taniela Tupou (68 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby
19. Lachlan Shaw* - uncapped; Ipswich Rangers
20. Tom Hooper (22 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs
21. Tate McDermott (50 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Ben Donaldson (19 Tests) - #962; Clovelly Eagles
23. Tom Wright (43 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles
Wallabies vs Ireland, 8:00pm AEST on Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs France, 5:30pm AEST on Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies vs Italy, 6:00pm AWST on Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth
Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka
Wallabies vs Japan, 3:00pm AEST on Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies vs Argentina 5:00am AEST on Sunday August 30 at Estadio 23 de Agosto, San Salvador de Jujuy
Wallabies vs Argentina, 5:00am AEST on Sunday September 6 at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
Wallabies vs South Africa, 5:30pm AWST on Sunday September 27 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:10pm AEST on Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland
Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST on Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies vs England, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 9 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London
Wallabies vs Scotland, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 16 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Wallabies vs Wales, 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 22, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27
