Waratahs duo Lachlan Swinton and Izzy Perese are among a group of seven players called into the Wallabies squad for a pre-World Cup camp this week due to a spate of concussions and injuries from the weekend.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones will bring together his first squad on the Gold Coast on Monday for a three-day camp, but five players originally selected in the 33-man group – Ned Hanigan, Len Ikitau, David Porecki, Blake Schoupp and Darcy Swain – were ruled out on Sunday after suffering concussions during their Super Rugby games.
Pete Samu (ankle) and Langi Gleeson (calf) were also withdrawn due to injury.
The seven players will still take part in the camp when a Zoom hook-up is held, which will also include overseas-based players and a group of injured players who were previously not considered for selection.
After displaying impressive form in NSW’s win over the Western Force on Saturday, Perese and Swinton were both added to the squad.
Queensland No.8 Harry Wilson was also called up, after contentiously missing selection in the first batch of players named by Jones.
Izzy Perese won a call-up to the Wallabies squad after originally missing out.Credit: Getty
Reds teammates Ryan Smith and Matt Faessler also won their first call-ups to a Wallabies squad, and so too Brumbies prop Rhys Van Nek and flanker Rory Scott.
“While we feel for the players who have been ruled out, it provides an opportunity for those who will now come into camp,” Jones said.
“This camp will set the tone ahead of the Test season and we know we’re going to need a fast start.“
While Jones has named a handful of injured players – Taniela Tupou, Angus Bell and Rob Leota – to attend the camp as a rehab group, he only wanted fit players, who are able to train, to attend the camp.
More to come
