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Australia: Tom Banks returns from broken arm as ‘A’ squad named for Japan tour

Brumbies and Wallabies full-back Tom Banks will make his return from injury after being named in the ‘A’ squad to tour Japan in October.

The flyer has missed much of the Test season so far after going off in Australia’s opening clash of the three-match series against England.

Banks landed awkwardly after going up for a high ball and broke his arm, but he has recovered to take his place in the second-string squad.

Test experience

There is plenty of Test experience in Jason Gilmore’s group, including players that have represented the country in 2022.

Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Suliasi Vunivalu, Lachlan Lonergan and bad boy Darcy Swain are among those to be involved in their tour to Japan.

Forgotten wing Filipo Daugunu gets an opportunity after not featuring for the Wallabies since their series with France in July 2021.

Daugunu is joined in the squad by fellow capped players Billy Pollard, Matt Gibbon and Ned Hanigan.

Australia A head coach Gilmore said: “It’s great to have these three matches coming up to continue the development and give our players more game time against high level international opposition.

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“With Dave Rennie’s guidance, we’ve picked the best possible players who are available and everyone’s really excited to put the work in on the training paddock and perform well over in Japan.”

Teen sensation

Also listed in the 34-man group is 18-year-old sensation Max Jorgensen, who is down as a development player.

Jorgensen has attracted plenty of interest, with a number of NRL clubs thought to be after the youngster, but he has committed to the Waratahs.

“Securing Max is a positive outcome, not only for the Waratahs but for Australian rugby, as he is one of the elite schoolboys from the class of 2022 and highly sought after,” Waratahs head coach Darren Coleman said.

“It’s great he has decided to remain at the Waratahs especially after spending the past three years in our academy.

“Max understands he has a long way to go and a lot of work to do before he can become a fully fledged Super Rugby player, but we look forward to working with him and helping him develop his game.”

Australia A squad to tour Japan

Richie Asiata, Tom Banks, Ollie Callan, Jock Campbell, Hudson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Pone Fa’amausili, Nick Frost, Matt Gibbon, Langi Gleeson, Ned Hanigan, Isaac Henry, Archer Holz, Harry Hoopert, Max Jorgensen, Bayley Kuenzle, Lachlan Lonergan, Ryan Lonergan, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Cadeyrn Neville, Dylan Pietsch, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Rory Scott, Ryan Smith, Hamish Stewart, Darcy Swain, James Tuttle, Seru Uru, Suliasi Vunivalu, Brad Wilkin, Teddy Wilson