Olympian who joined Wallabies camp in 2025 signs new sevens deal

An Olympian who was once called into the Wallabies squad ahead of a Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park has just re-signed with the Australia Sevens program, as one of four who have recently penned fresh deals.

James Turner, who is Rugby Australia’s reigning Men’s Sevens Player of the Year, was called into Wallabies camp by then-coach Joe Schmidt in 2025. The winger had only played in three matches for the NSW Waratahs before linking up with the top squad.

The Wallabies “had a couple injuries and I was about eighth in line,” the Aussie later told reporters at the Rugby Australia Awards. Turner didn’t take the field at the All Blacks’ fortress but continues to star in rugby union’s shorter format.

Turner is one of four players who have re-signed with the national sevens program, joining Ben Dowling, James McGregor and Harry Wilson. Dowling and Turner have re-signed through to the 2028 LA Olympics, while McGregor and Wilson have penned 12-month deals.

“I just got a call one day after training, after getting absolutely flogged by Mick Stephen,” Turner told RugbyPass and Rugby.com.au at the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards.

“[Schmidt] just said, ‘hey mate, can you come to Auckland to help the boys train?’ I was like, ‘oh yeah, no worries.’ He goes, ‘[assistant team manager] Will Stuart will be in contact, you’re in Wallabies camp.’

“I knew a couple of the boys from the Waratahs so it’s good, they helped me out.

Both Dowling and Turner are chasing their second appearances at an Olympic Games, after representing Team Australia in Paris. Both players have become instrumental members of the sevens side over the years.

McGregor debuted for the Australia Sevens side as a teenager a few years ago, while Wilson is coming off a maiden HSBC SVNS Series campaign. Australia claimed silverware in Valladolid, Spain, during the SVNS World Championship.

“The Australian Men’s squad was outstanding last season with plenty of talent emerging for coach Liam Barry,” Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, said.

“Ben Dowling and James Turner have grown into leaders within the team as they both look towards a second Olympics campaign each.

“James McGregor is developing nicely and will have more opportunities in the future while Harry Wilson is a big body who had a fine debut season.

“It’s important we keep a core group of players for next year while unearthing the next generation as we build towards the Olympic-qualifying season.”