Experienced Former Ireland Boss Joe Schmidt Takes the Helm of Australia’s Wallabies
Published on BBC Rugby Union, [Current Date]
Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has been appointed as the new Wallabies boss, tasked with leading Australia’s rugby union team into an exciting future. As the first major step in this journey, Schmidt has named his inaugural 38-man squad ahead of the upcoming Test matches against Wales.
The new-look Wallabies camp aims to put the trials of the past behind them and build towards an exhilarating new era, including a Lions Tour in 2025 and a home World Cup in 2027. While Schmidt has not committed to the later tournament, his current squad selection represents a critical starting point for Wallabies fans, who will be hoping for a far more competitive future for their national team.
The squad features 13 uncapped players, showcasing Schmidt’s willingness to inject fresh talent into the team. Notably absent is Carter Gordon, who has opted to switch to rugby league. However, the inclusion of former All Black Alex Hodgman, who recently made the move from the Blues to the Reds, highlights the depth of the Wallabies’ pool.
“We have a short runway into our first Test, so we’re just keen to get to work and make as much progress as we can over the four days we have in Brisbane,” – Joe Schmidt, Wallabies Head Coach
Amongst the 21 forwards named, newcomers such as Josh Nasser, Charlie Cale, Isaac Kailea, and Jeremy Williams will be eager to don the coveted Wallaby gold for the first time. In the backs, promising young players like Josh Flook, Darby Lancaster, and Tom Lynagh have been selected, alongside seasoned campaigners like Kurtley Beale and Nic White.
As the Wallabies embark on this new chapter under Schmidt’s guidance, rugby union enthusiasts will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the team’s progress, eager to see if the former Ireland boss can indeed steer the ailing heavyweights towards a more competitive and successful future.
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