Queensland dominate Australian Under-20s selections

Queensland’s success in the inaugural Super U20s Championship has been reflected in selections for the Australian Under-20s, with a total of 13 players named in the squad for the Oceania Rugby U20s Championship at Bond University, Gold Coast this May.

St.George Queensland Reds Campbell Magnay, Lukhan Tui and James Tuttle have all been named alongside Alex Mafi, Josh Taylor, Harry Hockings, Liam Wright, Maclean Jones, Angus Scott-Young, Moses Sorovi, Mack Mason, Liam Jurd and Joey Fittock.

Queensland Under-20s head coach Jason Gilmore is also part of the Australian Under-20s set up as assistant coach. He will join fellow Queenslander and head coach Adrian Thompson as a member of the coaching staff. Thompson was Gilmore’s assistant coach during the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship for Queensland Country.

Of the 13 Queensland players selected, six were part of the 2015 Queensland Country NRC squad including Tuttle who captained the side. Sorovi also represented Brisbane City in their undefeated run to their second straight NRC title.

Gilmore believes the number of Queenslanders selected in the side is testament to the strength of the pathway system in Queensland.

“Winning the inaugural Super U20s Championship was reward for the player’s efforts throughout pre-season and the competition,” Gilmore said.

“Selection for our players in the Australian side is further reward and evidence that the pathway system in Queensland is producing talent.”

Australian Under-20s Head Coach Adrian Thompson said: “I extend my congratulations to every player that has been selected in the Australian Under-20s.

“Our players learnt throughout the Super U20s of the standard required to compete at national level and we look forward to seeing these players take that next step to compete on the world stage.”

The players were selected following the inaugural Super U20s Championship, a six week tournament that saw all the best U20s players represent the five Australian Super Rugby franchises across the country.

The Queensland Under-20s finished the Super U20s Championship as undefeated premiers, defeating the Melbourne Rebels U20s 35-5 in the final at Ballymore.

BMW Australian U20s squad for the Oceania Rugby U20s Championship:
Forwards
Faalalie Sione (Brumbies U20s)
Tyrel Lomax (Brumbies U20s)
Vunipola Fifita (NSW Gen Blue U20s)
Shambeckler Vui (Western Force U20s)
Josh Taylor (Queensland Under-20s) – Bond University/Gold Coast
Alex Mafi (Queensland Under-20s) – Bond University/Mt Isa
Declan Moore (NSW Gen Blue U20s)
Lukhan Tui (Queensland Under-20s) - Brothers
Ryan McCauley (NSW Gen Blue U20s)
Harry Hockings (Queensland Under-20s) – University of Queensland/Bowen
Rob leota (Melbourne Rebels U20s)
Liam Wright (Queensland Under-20s) - Easts
Maclean Jones (Queensland Under-20s) – University of Queensland/St. George
Angus Scott–Young (Queensland Under-20s) – University of Queensland
Max Girdler (NSW Gen Blue U20s)
Harley Fox (Melbourne Rebels U20s)

Backs
James Tuttle (Queensland Under-20s) - GPS
Moses Sorovi (Queensland Under-20s) – University of Queensland
Mack Mason (Queensland Under-20s) – Easts/Mitchell
Billy Gray (Melbourne Rebels U20s)
Sione Tuipolotu (Melbourne Rebels U20s)
Campbell Magnay (Queensland Under-20s) - GPS
Jordan Jackson-Hope (Brumbies U20s)
Liam Jurd (Queensland Under-20s) – University of Queensland/Toowoomba
Ah-Mu Tuimalealiifano (Melbourne Rebels U20s)
Joey Fittock (Queensland Under-20s) – Sunnybank/Alstonville
Latu Latinipulu (NSW Gen Blue U20s)
Jack Maddocks (NSW Gen Blue U20s)

2016 Oceania Rugby U20s Championship, Bond University, Gold Coast:
Australia v New Zealand, Tuesday 3 May, 6.30pm AEST
Australia v New Zealand, Saturday 7 May, 6.30pm AEST