Back 
1
Next-gen to ‘pull on the gold jersey’ after landmark U16 announcement
By Finn Morton
Following the end of the Super Rugby U16 Championship last weekend, Rugby Australia has announced an Australian squad that will see the nation’s brightest up-and-coming rugby talent “pull on the gold jersey.”
ADVERTISEMENT
National Pathways Manager, Nic Henderson, and Head Coach Tim Rapp have selected a squad of 25 players who will take on a Pacific All Stars side on December 12 at the Australian Institute of Sport’s rugby field.
With the junior Super Rugby competitions proving to be a success in their inaugural seasons, with the Waratahs and Brumbies claiming titles, this Australia U16 side is another opportunity to showcase the future of Australian rugby.
“We’ve picked an extremely talented squad out of the Super Rugby U16s Championship that will come into camp on December 8 at the AIS,” Rugby Australia’s National Pathways Manager, Nic Henderson, said in a statement.
“Starting with the upcoming game against the Pacific All Stars, this will be the first of many opportunities for these young men to pull on a gold jersey and represent their country.
“It’s exciting to think there are players in this squad that could be our Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and we’re looking forward to harnessing and encouraging that talent.”
The team will be coached by the renowned trio of Tim Rapp, Cam Blaes and Ryan Schultz. This squad will assemble at the AIS on December 8 before facing the Pacific All Stars.
ADVERTISEMENT
Australia U16 2023 squad:
Forwards
Bennett Armistead (Reds)
Berakah Tuifaasisina (Reds)
Daryus Sione (Waratahs)
Ed Baxter (Waratahs)
James Finegan (Waratahs)
Jarvis Orr (Waratahs)
Justice Taumoepeau (Waratahs)
Kiama Jione (Reds)
Kingsley Uys (Reds)
Lewis Wilson (Waratahs)
Liam Robinson (Reds)
Marcus Mastro (Waratahs)
Louis Treacy (Rebels)
Will Ross (Reds)
Backs
Angus Grover (Waratahs)
Cameron Kirsten (Brumbies)
Denzel Veikune (Brumbies)
Finn McKay (Reds)
Heamasi Makasini (Waratahs)
Liam Collett (Brumbies)
Onitoni Large (Waratahs)
Peni Naqau (Force)
Rex Bassingthwaighte (Waratahs)
Tom Hartman (Waratahs)
Treyvon Pritchard (Reds)
Latest Comments
The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
Go to comments