The Wallabies are gearing up for an intriguing tour in Japan with a roster shake-up that includes the debut of ex-All Black prop Aidan Ross and the return of winger Dylan Pietsch from an unusual injury setback. This Saturday, Ross, who turns 30 the same day, will don the Wallabies jersey, marking him as the rare player to have represented both powerhouse nations in rugby.
Ross's move to the Wallabies comes after a stint with the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific, following just one game for the All Blacks in 2022. His inclusion aims to fill the void left by James Slipper's retirement. “
‘He is like no other; he has been good for the group,’
” praised Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, acknowledging Ross's unique contributions and hard work in the lead-up to this opportunity.
The Wallabies face a packed schedule, starting with Japan before heading to Europe to face England, Italy, Ireland, and Australia. This series provides Ross with ample chance to establish himself behind Angus Bell, who is set to start as the No. 1 in Tokyo.
Another notable return to the lineup is Dylan Pietsch, who has recovered from a severe collision that left him on a liquid diet. “
‘It was definitely the hardest rehab I have gone through mentally,’
” Pietsch recounted the challenge of his recovery, emphasizing the mental toughness required to bounce back.
With these changes, the Wallabies are looking to rebound from their last-place finish in the 2025 Rugby Championship, where they were defeated by the All Blacks in Perth. The team is eager to turn the page with fresh faces and renewed spirits, as they embark on their international tour. The inclusion of Ross and the return of Pietsch are pivotal in this phase of rebuilding and regaining competitive edge on the global stage.
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The Wallabies are gearing up for an intriguing tour in Japan with a roster shake-up that includes the debut of ex-All Black prop Aidan Ross and the return of winger Dylan Pietsch from an unusual injury setback. This Saturday, Ross, who turns 30 the same day, will don the Wallabies jersey, marking him as the rare player to have represented both powerhouse nations in rugby.
Ross's move to the Wallabies comes after a stint with the Reds in Super Rugby Pacific, following just one game for the All Blacks in 2022. His inclusion aims to fill the void left by James Slipper's retirement. “
‘He is like no other; he has been good for the group,’
” praised Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, acknowledging Ross's unique contributions and hard work in the lead-up to this opportunity.The Wallabies face a packed schedule, starting with Japan before heading to Europe to face England, Italy, Ireland, and Australia. This series provides Ross with ample chance to establish himself behind Angus Bell, who is set to start as the No. 1 in Tokyo.
Another notable return to the lineup is Dylan Pietsch, who has recovered from a severe collision that left him on a liquid diet. “
‘It was definitely the hardest rehab I have gone through mentally,’
” Pietsch recounted the challenge of his recovery, emphasizing the mental toughness required to bounce back.With these changes, the Wallabies are looking to rebound from their last-place finish in the 2025 Rugby Championship, where they were defeated by the All Blacks in Perth. The team is eager to turn the page with fresh faces and renewed spirits, as they embark on their international tour. The inclusion of Ross and the return of Pietsch are pivotal in this phase of rebuilding and regaining competitive edge on the global stage.