New Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has named his 2023 extended squad with the inclusion of five players with links to Fiji.
Jones has named Waratahs’ winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, Reds’ Suliasi Vunivalu, and Brumbies’ Rob Valetini for their first training camp while Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi will be taking part in online training sessions as they are based overseas.
There were also some surprise exclusions from the squad named as Tate McDermott, Jake Gordon, Noah Lolesio, and James O’Connor missed selections.
Jones says he was intent on building a winning mindset and is disappointed with Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific teams apart from the Brumbies.
He says the players selected for this first camp have delivered on work rate, effort and intent.
He adds there would likely be changes before his World Cup squad is finalised.
