Written by Nathan Williamson on Sep 27, 2024 03:59 PM, courtesy of rugby.com.au Source article.
Zach Fittler has been named in the Australia U18s squad for New Zealand. Photo: Greg Collis.
New Waratahs signing Zach Fittler has celebrated his two-year development deal with inclusion in the Australia U18s squad to travel to New Zealand.
Australia will face the New Zealand Barbarians at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton on 2 October before taking on the New Zealand Schools at FMG Stadium on 6 October.
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Fittler has penned a two-year Elite Development deal with the club that will keep him at Daceyville until the end of 2026.
It comes after a strong performance in the Australia U18s trial against the Australian Schools on Thursday.
He is joined by highly-rated winger Heamasi Makasini, who scored in the opening trial of the afternoon.
Makasini was one of five players to link up with the Wallabies during their Bledisloe Cup preparations in Sydney alongside Luca Cleverley, and Heinz Lemoto.
Queensland Reds centre Frankie Goldsbrough provides experience after spending the year with the Super Rugby Pacific squad along with debuting for the Australia U20s at the World Championships in South Africa.
Waratahs fullback Rex Bassingthwaite caps off an exciting backline after a long range effort on Thursday.
In the forwards, Kingsley Uys has been a standout in the Queensland system for several years and adds major power to the front-row.
He is joined by highly touted number eight Heinz Lemoto as they head to NZ looking to avenge last year’s defeats.
“Our comprehensive selection process has produced an Australia U18 squad that is highly motivated and ready to represent our country on the international stage,” head coach Shannon Fraser said.
“Competition for spots was undeniably fierce and there are many talented players with long Rugby careers ahead of them who unfortunately missed out on this occasion.
“The group we have selected will be representing all those players, as well as their family and friends, when they pull on the gold jersey in New Zealand.”
AUSTRALIA U18S SQUAD FOR NEW ZEALAND TOUR
Angus Grover – St Ignatius College, Riverview
Avery Thomson – GPS Rugby Club
Edwin Langi – Eastern Suburbs
Eli Langi – Brisbane State High School
Ewald Kruger – GPS Rugby Club
Finn Mackay – St Laurence’s College
Frankie Goldsbrough – Easts Rugby Club
Hayden Lavercombe – The King’s School
Heamasi Makasini – Newington College
Heinz Lemoto – The Scots College
Isaac Fonua – The King’s School
John Grenfell – Nudgee College
Jonah Rangiwai – The Southport School
Jonty Fowler – St Joseph’s College
Josh Takai – Brothers Rugby Club
Kingsley Uys – The Southport School
Luca Cleverley – Newington College
Nick Conway – Nudgee College
Nick Hill – Barker College
Rex Bassingthwaite – The Shore School
Sam Blank – St Augustine’s College
TJ Talaileva – Barker College
Tom Howard – Marist College
Tom Robinson – UQ Rugby Club
Will Ross – Padua College
Zach Fittler – The Scots College
