SYDNEY (Reuters) - Powerful prop Massimo De Lutiis was the only uncapped player in a 40-strong Australia squad named on Friday for a training camp ahead of the Super Rugby season in early January.
The 21-year-old Queensland Reds tighthead has yet to play a Super Rugby game after missing last season with injury but will have a chance to impress coach Joe Schmidt in the three-day camp in Sydney from Jan. 8.
"(It's) a final opportunity to look back at the 2024 season, particularly our tests in November, then have a quick glance at the programme for 2025," Schmidt said in a media release.
Front and centre in that programme is the visit of the British and Irish Lions starting in July. Schmidt made clear that there was still time for other players to come into the reckoning for that three-test series.
"As well as those in camp, it's great to see a number of players coming back from injury and others who did well for the Australia XV team, who we are looking forward to watching during the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season," he added.
The new Super Rugby Pacific season begins on Feb. 14. Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Angus Blyth, Josh Canham, Massimo De Lutiis, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Seru Uru, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson
Backs: Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Nic White, Tom Wright.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Sonali Paul)
