Alex Hodgman. Photo: Jason O'Brien / www.photosport.nz
Former All Black prop Alex Hodgman has been selected for Joe Schmidt's first Wallaby squad for 2024, paving the way for him to become the first player to represent both teams since 1974.
Owen Stephens from Wellington was the last to achieve the feat, playing one test for the All Blacks in 1968, before shifting to Australia and playing three tests for the Wallabies. Des Connor did it the other way around, touring New Zealand with the Wallabies in 1958 then moving to Auckland in 1960, eventually captaining the All Blacks in two tests. Ted Jessep and Keith Gudsell also played for both nations.
Hodgman's selection comes after a strong season for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby Pacific. He played four tests for the All Blacks in 2020 and qualifies for the Wallabies through his Australian father, although new squad members Tom Lynagh and Josh Nasser can go one better as fathers Michael and Brendan both pulled on the gold jersey in the 80s and 90s.
Overall, Schmidt's squad of 21 forwards and 17 backs includes 13 uncapped players, with Darby Lancaster having also made his Super Rugby Pacific debut this year for the Melbourne Rebels. Super Rugby stand outs Max Jorgensen and Rob Leota are out with injury, while Brumbies wing Corey Toole has committed to the Australian Sevens team for the upcoming Olympic Games.
New Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, flanked by Peter Horne and Phil Waugh. Photo: Max Mason-Hubers / www.photosport.nz
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has earned a recall to the squad after returning to Australian Rugby last year, while James Slipper is the most-capped player with 134 appearances so far for the Wallabies.
Schmidt admitted there were some "very tight selection calls".
"The coaching group has looked hard at on-field performances and had ongoing discussions with Super Rugby coaches," Schmidt said.
"We've combined the observations we've made, with some candid discussion and feel that we have some very good players to start working with, while also acknowledging that there are some good players who have missed selection. We have a short runway into our first Test, so we're just keen to get to work and make as much progress as we can over the four days we have in Brisbane."
Schmidt takes over a Wallabies team in full rebuild mode, after Eddie Jones' disastrous tenure last season saw only two wins and a pool stage exit from the Rugby World Cup.
The squad will assemble in Brisbane on Sunday for a four-day camp as they begin preparations for their first test, against Wales in Sydney on July 6.
Wallabies squad (*uncapped):
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth*, Charlie Cale*, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Alex Hodgman*, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea*, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser*, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith*, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams*, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright
Backs: Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai*, Josh Flook*, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster*, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh*, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch*, Hamish Stewart*, Nic White, Tom Wright