NRL great’s son named in Australia U20 squad for Rugby Championship

Coach Chris Whitaker has included the son of an NRL great in the Australia U20 squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship U20 in South Africa, with the tournament set to be held at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for the second consecutive year.

NSW Waratahs prospect Zach Fittler, who is the son of iconic NSW Blues playmaker and former Australia Kangaroos captain Brad Fittler, has been named in the 31-man group. Fittler is one of seven players listed who can cover the midfield.

Fittler showcased pure strength to score a stunning solo try in the Super Rugby U19s Grand Final last October, with the NSW Waratahs defeating the ACT Brumbies 31-24 in a thriller at Warringah Rugby Club in Sydney.

The rising star will have a chance to wear Australia’s gold jersey on the international stage against the next generation of rugby stars from New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa. Whitaker’s side is coming off successful warm-up wins over Fiji U20s and Japan U23s.

15 Waratahs prospects have been selected, while the Queensland Reds is the second-most represented region with nine players chosen. Six products of the ACT Brumbies system feature in this squad, along with Jasper Asi as the sole member of the Western Force.

2025 Global Youth Sevens MVP Treyvon Pritchard has been deemed unavailable due to Super Rugby Pacific commitments with the Reds. Pritchard and 12 others have been ruled out of selection for various reasons, including Wallace Charlie who is with the Australia Sevens side.

“We are looking forward to taking the momentum from our week-long camp in Coffs Harbour and building upon it with three tough games in South Africa,” coach Chris Whitaker said.

“The Rugby Championship U20 provides us with another opportunity to continue developing as a team against top opposition in unique circumstances.

“Our group is ready to embrace the challenge and are excited to get the chance to represent Australia on the international stage.”

Australia started their TRC U20 campaign against traditional rivals New Zealand, before facing hosts South Africa and finally Argentina.

The squad will assemble in Sydney this Friday before jetting off to South Africa in just under two weeks’ time.

ACT Brumbies
Ewald Kruger — Hooker
Tavita Loughland — Lock
Cooper Eagle — Backrow
Eli Langi — Backrow
Chayse Geros — Scrumhalf / Wing
Riley Whitfeld — Centre / Wing

Western Force
Jasper Asi — Prop

Queensland Reds
Jacob Job — Prop
Jonah Rangiwai — Prop
Charlie Hollyman — Hooker
Kenneth Harris — Lock
Will Ross — Lock
Tom Robinson — Backrow
Finn Mackay — Flyhalf
Frankie Goldsbrough — Centre
Taione Taka — Centre / Wing

NSW Waratahs
Edwin Langi — Prop
Harper Strachan — Prop
Nick Hill — Prop
Tyler Maybery — Hooker
Isaac Fonua — Lock / Backrow
Luca Cleverley — Backrow
Marshall Le Maitre — Backrow
Toby Brial — Backrow
Angus Grover — Scrumhalf
Sam Blank — Scrumhalf
Jonty Fowler — Flyhalf
Zach Fittler — Centre
Cooper Watters — Centre / Wing
Leo Jaques — Centre / Wing
Louis Fenwicke — Centre / Fullback

Unavailable for selection
Dylan Bretton — Brumbies (injury)
Oscar Cleary — Brumbies (injury)
Felix Cooper — Force (injury)
Manaia Te Tana — Force (injury)
Bennett Armistead — Reds (injury)
John Grenfell — Reds (injury)
Kingsley Uys — Reds (injury)
Nicholas Conway — Reds (injury)
Treyvon Pritchard — Reds (SRP commitments)
Dylan Simmons — Waratahs (injury)
Ed Kasprowicz — Waratahs (injury)
Tom Farr-Jones — Waratahs (injury)
Wallace Charlie — Australian Sevens