Junior Wallabies coach Jason Gilmore has today confirmed his 28-man squad to play at the 2018 U20s World Championship in France later this month.

Brumbies forward Rob Valetini will rejoin the squad after missing the Oceania U20s Championship on the Gold Coast, however Reds flyhalf Hamish Stewart was not available for selection.

Australia defeated Fiji and Tonga comfortably last week before falling short against New Zealand in the final match of the warm up tournament.

“We took a lot of learnings out of the match against New Zealand and we will be implementing those improvements in our next camp ahead of our departure,” Gilmore said.

“We have a tough Pool with Wales, Japan and New Zealand who all offer three different styles of Rugby and we will need to be ready for the three challenges.

“The hard work steps up now for this squad after Oceania and the players and staff are looking forward to getting back into camp.”

The Junior Wallabies will reconvene for a camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra on Thursday 17 May.

2018 Junior Wallabies Squad

Forwards
Angus Blyth, Bond University
Matt Faessler, Brothers
George Francis, Eastwood
Esei Ha’angana, Melbourne Unicorns
Harry Hockings, University of Queensland
Josh Kemeny, Sydney University
Harry Hoopert, Brothers
Trevor Hosea, Harlequins
Efi Ma’afu, Wests
Sama Malolo, Endeavour Hills
Fraser McReight, Brothers
Josh Nasser, University of Queensland
Tom Ross, Gungahlin
Rory Suttor, Sydney University
Patrick Tafa, Norths (Sydney),
Rob Valentini, Wests

Backs
Lawson Creighton, Brothers
Mack Hansen, Gungahlin
Tony Hunt, Norths (Brisbane)
Len Ikitau, Vikings
Bayley Kuenzle, Southern Districts
Isiah Latu, Queanbeyan
Ryan Lonergan, Vikings
Isaac Lucas, Sunnybank
Tate McDermott, University of Queensland
Matt McTaggert, Easts
Jordan Petaia, Wests
Semisi Tupou, Box Hill

2018 World Rugby U20s Championship Pool A Fixtures*:
Thursday 31 May
Australia v Wales, 5.00am AEST, Stade de la Mediterranee, Bézier
Sunday 3 June
Australia v Japan, 10.00pm AEST, Stade de la Mediterranee, Bézier
Friday 8 June
Australia v New Zealand, 5.00am AEST, Stade Aime-Giral, Perpignan

*Dates and times have been named as AEST