The ACT Brumbies will provide the backbone of the Wallabies for their sold-out Test opener against Ireland on Saturday night, with seven Brumbies named in Joe Schmidt's matchday 23. The squad features Ryan Lonergan's first Test start, Lachie Shaw in line for a potential Wallabies debut and the return of Test appearance record holder James Slipper.
Lonergan has been rewarded with his maiden run-on appearance in Wallaby gold after an outstanding Super Rugby Pacific campaign, wearing the number nine jersey alongside flyhalf Carter Gordon in the halves.
Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa will bring his trademark experience to the front row, starting at tighthead prop alongside Angus Bell and hooker Josh Nasser. Two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini packs at blindside flanker, and will look to conitue his damaging season by running over some green jerseys.
In the midfield, 2026 John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau returns to Wallaby colours just two weeks after featuring in the Premiership Final with Exeter. He will reunite with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the centres for the 14th time in the Wallabies' past 19 Tests.
Off the bench, Wallabies appearance record holder James Slipper makes his long-awaited return to the international arena after coming out of Test retirement, while exciting second-row prospect Lachie Shaw is poised to make his Test debut. Tom Hooper has also been selected among the replacements, with dynamic fullback Tom Wright returning from injury to provide further impact.
Outside the Brumbies contingent, Inverell junior Jock Campbell will play his first Test in 1,316 days after being named at fullback. Campbell, who last represented Australia in the 2022 victory over Wales in Cardiff, will form the back three with Max Jorgensen and Wiradjuri man Dylan Pietsch.
Queensland lock Josh Canham has earned his first Test start and will partner Western Force captain Jeremy Williams in the second row.
The Wallabies' back row features two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini at blindside flanker, Reds captain Fraser McReight at openside and captain Harry Wilson at number eight.
The replacements are rounded out by Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou, Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said the group was eager to begin the Test season in front of a capacity crowd.
"The group has reconnected quickly and we've worked hard over the past week to prepare as best we can for what is an exciting challenge against the number three team in World Rugby.
"Kicking off 2026 at a sold-out Allianz Stadium gives the group a huge lift and we are fully focused on earning every bit of that home crowd support on Saturday."
Wallabies team to play Ireland at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday July 4 at 8:00pm AEST 1. Angus Bell (50 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club 2. Josh Nasser (11 Tests) - #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane) 3. Allan Alaalatoa (88 Tests) - #896; West Harbour Juniors 4. Jeremy Williams (25 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers 5. Josh Canham (2 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Rugby Club 6. Rob Valetini (62 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club 7. Fraser McReight (39 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies 8. Harry Wilson (c) (36 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils 9. Ryan Lonergan (5 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings 10. Carter Gordon (9 Tests) - #967; Sunshine Coast Grammar School 11. Dylan Pietsch (9 Tests) - #978; Leeton Phantoms 12. Len Ikitau (50 Tests) - #944; Tuggeranong Vikings 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (18 Tests) - #988; The Kings School 14. Max Jorgensen (20 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves 15. Jock Campbell (4 Tests) - #959; Inverell Highlanders Substitutes 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (25 Tests) - #918; Southern Districts 17. James Slipper (151 Tests) - #843; Bond Pirates 18. Taniela Tupou (68 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby 19. Lachlan Shaw* - uncapped; Ipswich Rangers 20. Tom Hooper (22 Tests) - #964; Bathurst Bulldogs 21. Tate McDermott (50 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club 22. Ben Donaldson (19 Tests) - #962; Clovelly Eagles 23. Tom Wright (43 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles 2026 Wallabies Fixtures Wallabies vs Ireland, 8:00pm AEST on Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney Wallabies vs France, 5:30pm AEST on Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Wallabies vs Italy, 6:00pm AWST on Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka Wallabies vs Japan, 3:00pm AEST on Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville Wallabies vs Argentina 5:00am AEST on Sunday August 30 at Estadio 23 de Agosto, San Salvador de Jujuy Wallabies vs Argentina, 5:00am AEST on Sunday September 6 at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza Wallabies vs South Africa, 5:30pm AWST on Sunday September 27 at Optus Stadium, Perth Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:10pm AEST on Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:45pm AEST on Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney Wallabies vs England, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 9 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London Wallabies vs Scotland, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 16 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh Wallabies vs Wales, 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 22, Principality Stadium, Cardiff Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27
