Carter Gordon has snapped back into the Wallabies fold after his brief league stint, and he's not the only headline in Joe Schmidt's latest Australian-based selection for the end-of-year tour. The squad also marks the inclusion of former All Black Aidan Ross and sees the return of players from injury, setting the scene for a gritty five-match showdown starting in Tokyo.
With the initial fixtures against Japan and England scheduled outside the World Rugby player release period, standouts like Will Skelton, James O’Connor, and Len Ikitau won't hit the field until later games in Italy, Ireland, and France. Schmidt has called upon a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh faces, including uncapped Reds' scrum-half Kalani Thomas and loosehead Aidan Ross. "Challenge certainly doesn’t get any easier," remarked Schmidt, underscoring the uphill battle ahead.
"Both Aidan Ross and Kalani Thomas have had a bit of time with us, and Carter Gordon will get the opportunity to integrate back into the Wallabies environment. The three players are fully fit and eager to be involved."
Gordon's return is particularly notable. The fly-half, who previously donned the Wallabies jersey under Eddie Jones at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, switched to rugby league in mid-2024. His return to union was brokered with a 2026 season contract at Les Kiss’ Reds, and he's wasted no time getting back into the international rugby mix.
Reinforcements from the Australia A squad will bolster the lineup, with Matt Faessler, Josh Canham, Pete Samu, and Hamish Stewart extending their stay in Asia to join the main squad post an initial game in Osaka.
The squad will convene in Sydney for training and the Rugby Australia Awards before jetting off to Japan. Schmidt summed up the mood: "The squad and staff have had a brief chance to catch their breath after what has been a dense and attritional Test season so far. The challenge certainly doesn’t get any easier with five consecutive Tests on the road against high-quality international opposition but, in saying that, the squad will relish the challenge and players will work hard to be as competitive as possible."
Wallabies end-of-year tour squad:
Forwards (19): Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson
Backs (15): Filipo Daugunu, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Carter Gordon, Jake Gordon, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Ryan Lonergan, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Corey Toole