Ex-All Black named in Wallabies squad for Rugby Championship

Former All Black prop Aidan Ross is one of three uncapped players named in the Wallabies squad for the South Africa leg of the 2025 Rugby Championship.

Australian-born Ross is set to become a dual international after rising through the New Zealand system starting with U20s in 2015 under Scott Robertson. He appeared once for the All Blacks in 2022.

After 88 caps for the Chiefs, Ross signed a three-year deal with the Queensland Reds in 2025 and could become a Wallaby over the next month.

All Black legend Carlos Spencer on Rugby Champs for the women’s game

All Black legend Carlos Spencer on Rugby Champs for the women’s game

Joining Ross as uncapped players in the squad are Brumbies pair Ryan Lonergan, drafted in for halfback cover after injury to Jake Gordon, and winger Corey Toole who trained with the squad over the Lions series.

Retiring halfback Nic White has made a U-Turn and extended his Wallabies career for the time being, while Lions series hero Will Skelton has also been named for the South Africa tour.

After receiving a call up for the third and final Lions Test, tighthead prop Taniela Tupou has also been named as the Wallabies battle injuries in the front row.

A number of players have earnt Wallabies recalls, including lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Reds centre Josh Flook along with one cap Test rookie Tane Edmed who played on last year’s end of year tour against Ireland.

“It’s pleasing to be able to keep the core of the group together, while also leaning on some depth and fresh bodies,” coach Joe Schmidt said.

“We’re very conscious of how difficult it is going to be, playing South Africa on their home turf over two consecutive weekends.

“The group has made some positive steps throughout the start of the Test season but we all know there is a lot of hard work ahead of us.”

Wallabies squad for tour of South Africa

Forwards (20)

Angus Bell
Nick Champion De Crespigny
Nick Frost
Langi Gleeson
Tom Hooper
Fraser McReight
Josh Nasser
Zane Nonggorr
Brandon Paenga-Amosa
Billy Pollard
Tom Robertson
Aidan Ross*
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Will Skelton
James Slipper
Carlo Tizzano
Taniela Tupou
Rob Valetini
Jeremy Williams
Harry Wilson

Backs (15)

Ben Donaldson
Tane Edmed
Josh Flook
Len Ikitau
Max Jorgensen
Andrew Kellaway
Ryan Lonergan*
Tate McDermott
James O’Connor
Hunter Paisami
Dylan Pietsch
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Corey Toole*
Nic White
Tom Wright

Unavailable for selection due to injury

Allan Alaalatoa
Charlie Cale
Massimo De Lutiis
Matt Faessler
Jake Gordon
Noah Lolesio
Tom Lynagh
Harry Potter
Luke Reimer