In a bold move, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is kicking off 2026 preparations with a 40-man squad that includes injured stars and a rookie prop – but is this a recipe for success or a risky gamble?
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt is wasting no time in gearing up for the 2026 international season, announcing a 40-man squad for a three-day training camp in Sydney this January. This camp, scheduled from January 5th to 7th, serves as a crucial reunion for the Wallabies before they disperse back to their respective Super Rugby Pacific teams, following a grueling 2025 Test schedule. But here's where it gets interesting: Schmidt has included several players currently nursing injuries, alongside a promising but untested rookie.
And this is the part most people miss: among the 40 players, Queensland Reds prop Massimo De Lutiis stands out as the only uncapped player. De Lutiis, whose 2025 season was marred by injury, will be looking to make a strong impression. Joining him in the front row is Isaac Kailea, alongside seasoned Wallabies like Darcy Swain and Brandon Paenga-Amosa, both of whom were notably absent from the recent end-of-year tour.
The squad also features four fly-halves, including Tom Lynagh and Ben Donaldson, with Lynagh returning after an injury-plagued second half of the season. First-choice fullback Tom Wright, still recovering from a long-term knee injury, has been called up, as has scrum-half Tate McDermott, who’s aiming to bounce back from a hamstring injury. But here's where it gets controversial: overseas-based players like Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, and James O’Connor are absent, raising questions about the squad’s depth and readiness for the upcoming challenges.
Schmidt explained in a statement, “These few days in January offer a final chance to reflect on and learn from the demanding 2025 Test campaign. It’s also an opportunity to conduct national testing and assess the players’ medical conditions before they rejoin their Super Rugby Pacific clubs for the 2026 season.”
Looking ahead, the Wallabies won’t regroup until after the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition. Their international season kicks off with a 14-Test schedule, starting against Ireland in Sydney on July 4 as part of the new Nations Championship. This will be followed by matches against France and Italy, marking the final games under Schmidt’s leadership before Les Kiss takes over.
Is Schmidt’s strategy of blending injured veterans with fresh talent a masterstroke or a risky experiment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Here’s the full squad for the 2026 training camp:
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies), Josh Canham (Queensland Reds), Nick Champion de Crespigny (Western Force), Massimo De Lutiis (Queensland Reds), Matt Faessler (Queensland Reds), Nick Frost (ACT Brumbies), Isaac Kailea (NSW Waratahs), Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds), Josh Nasser (Queensland Reds), Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Western Force), Billy Pollard (ACT Brumbies), Tom Robertson (Western Force), Aidan Ross (Queensland Reds), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Queensland Reds), Pete Samu (NSW Waratahs), Darcy Swain (Western Force), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force), Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies), Jeremy Williams (Western Force), Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds)
Backs: Filipo Daugunu (Queensland Reds), Ben Donaldson (Western Force), Tane Edmed (ACT Brumbies), Josh Flook (Queensland Reds), Carter Gordon (Queensland Reds), Jake Gordon (NSW Waratahs), Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs), Andrew Kellaway (NSW Waratahs), Ryan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies), Tom Lynagh (Queensland Reds), Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds), Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds), Dylan Pietsch (Western Force), Harry Potter (NSW Waratahs), Hamish Stewart (Western Force), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs), Kalani Thomas (Queensland Reds), Corey Toole (ACT Brumbies), Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies)
For more insights, check out Dave Wessels’ take on the challenges facing Australian rugby ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
