Former All Black joins Carter Gordon in Wallabies' Spring Tour squad

Rugby Australia’s latest recruit Carter Gordon has been named in the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Spring Tour, with uncapped Queensland Reds duo Aidan Ross and Kalani Thomas also included in the touring party as potential debutants.

Gordon has signed on with RA and the Queensland Reds through until the end of 2028. The 24-year-old played eight Tests for the Wallabies, including appearances at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, before leaving rugby union for a stint in the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans.

Ross could potentially join an incredibly exclusive club in the coming weeks, having previously played for the All Blacks. After a decorated career with the Chiefs, Ross made the move across the Tasman earlier this year – lining up for the Reds and AUNZ XV against the Lions.

Western Force flyer Dylan Pietsch returns to the fold after recovering from a fractured jaw, and Andrew Kellaway has also been named after missing both Tests against the All Blacks in Auckland and Perth.

Australia A squad members Matt Faessler, Josh Canham, Pete Samu and Hamish Stewart have been selected as well. Those four will link up with the Wallabies in Tokyo after taking on a Japan XV in Osaka on October 18.

Overseas-based players could also join the squad at a later date, but they will miss the opening two matches of this tour. Australia are set to face Japan, England, Italy, Ireland and France.

“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,” coach Joe Schmdit said in a statement.

“The challenge certainly doesn’t get any easier with five consecutive Tests on the road against high-quality international opposition but, in saying that, I think the squad will relish the challenge and players will work hard to be as competitive as possible.

“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.

“We’ve taken a long-term view with Tom Lynagh, who is still just 22-years-old. He has had a few injury frustrations since the third test versus the Lions in early August and will follow an individualised program, guided by both Wallabies and Queensland staff, which will allow him to recover to full fitness.

“There are a few players who have featured during recent Test matches, that are currently involved in competitions in Europe. Given the intensity of our Tour schedule, we may look to bolster our playing stocks by including some of these players during the World Rugby Regulation 9 window.”

Wallabies squad for their Spring Tour

Forwards (19)
Allan Alaalatoa (#896, West Harbour Juniors, ACT Brumbies, 85)
Angus Bell (#940, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 44)
Josh Canham (#987, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 1)*
Nick Champion De Crespigny (#991, Canberra Grammar School, Western Force, 2)
Matt Faessler (#969, USQ Saints, Queensland Reds, 15)*
Nick Frost (#953, Hornsby Lions, ACT Brumbies, 34)
Fraser McReight (#937, Albany Creek Brumbies, Queensland Reds, 35)
Josh Nasser (#979, Easts Rugby (Brisbane), Queensland Reds, 8)
Zane Nonggorr (#966, Gold Coast Eagles, Queensland Reds, 16)
Billy Pollard (#958, Lindfield Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 16)
Tom Robertson (#898, Dubbo Kangaroos, Western Force, 36)
Aidan Ross (uncapped, Bond University, Queensland Reds, 0)
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (#914, Randwick, Queensland Reds, 43)
Pete Samu (#920, Moorabbin Rams, NSW Waratahs, 33)*
Carlo Tizzano (#982, University of Western Australia, Western Force, 11)
Taniela Tupou (#917, Brothers Rugby (Brisbane), NSW Waratahs, 65)
Rob Valetini (#929, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, ACT Brumbies, 57)
Jeremy Williams (#973, Wahroonga Tigers, Western Force, 20)
Harry Wilson (#933, Gunnedah Red Devils, Queensland Reds, 31)

Backs (15)
Filipo Daugunu (#931, Wests Bulldogs, Queensland Reds, 15)
Tane Edmed (#990, West Harbour Juniors, NSW Waratahs, 4)
Josh Flook (#972, Brothers Rugby, Queensland Reds, 5)
Carter Gordon (#967, Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Queensland Reds, 8)
Jake Gordon (#925, Canterbury Juniors, NSW Waratahs, 32)
Max Jorgensen (#984, Balmain Wolves, NSW Waratahs, 17)
Andrew Kellaway (#943, Hunters Hill Rugby Club, NSW Waratahs, 45)
Ryan Lonergan (#993, Tuggeranong Vikings, ACT Brumbies, 2)
Hunter Paisami (#932, Harlequin Junior Rugby Club, Queensland Reds, 32)
Dylan Pietsch (#979, Leeton Phantoms, Western Force, 7)
Harry Potter (#989, Moorabbin Rams, Western Force, 7)
Hamish Stewart (#986, Toowoomba Bears, Western Force, 2)*
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (#988, The Kings School, NSW Waratahs, 14)
Kalani Thomas (uncapped, Springfield Hawks, Queensland Reds, 0)
Corey Toole (#992, Wagga Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, 3)

*denotes also part of the Australia A squad

Unavailable for selection
Charlie Cale
Langi Gleeson
Tom Lynagh
Tate McDermott
Noah Lolesio
Tom Wright