National Pathways Manager Nic Henderson and Australia U16 head coach Tim Rapp have named a 25-man squad to participate in a development camp next month.
Force pair Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage and Chase Bunce have both been selected in the squad that will assemble at Blacktown Exercise, Sports & Technology Hub from Saturday 7 December, with the camp culminating in a clash with the Waratahs U17s at Concord Oval on Thursday 12 December.
Southern Lions lock Kleine-Deters Ausage finished as the league leader in the Super Rugby U16s for lineout takes (26) with two lineout steals and joint first for dominant tackles (6).
Cottesloe utility back Bunce had a team-high line breaks (4), with seven tackle breaks for 152 carry metres and 237 kicking metres, showing his diverse game.
"The Super Rugby Men's U16 season which concluded last weekend showcased the impressive talent and potential we have coming through our development pathways across the country," Rapp said.
"It's fantastic to reward some of the standout performers from that competition with selection in the Australia U16s.
"These players now have the opportunity to come together and continue their development and Rugby education while pulling on the gold jersey as an Australian representative.
"There are also many talented players who have missed out on selection on this occasion however we will continue to monitor their development as they step up into next age group."
Cameron Blades and Paul Cividin will work alongside Rapp as assistant coaches for the Australia U16 program.
Australia U16 Squad
Agapetos Lote-Felo (QLD Reds, The Southport School, Gold Coast Eagles)
Aidan Wunsch (ACT Brumbies, Daramalan College)
Alfie Bowman (QLD Reds, Anglican Church Grammar School)
Aston Weir (NSW Waratahs, The Scots College, Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club)
Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage (Western Force, Byford Secondary College)
Chase Bunce (Western Force, St Mark's Anglican Community School)
Creighton Meafou (NSW Waratahs, Edmund Rice College, Randwick Warriors)
Cyrus Bloomfield (NSW Waratahs, Oakhill College, Dural Rugby Club)
Darcy Feltham (NSW Waratahs, Oakhill College, Hills Junior Rugby Club)
Halaliku Lauhingoa (Melbourne Rebels, The Grange Secondary College)
Harrison Asi (QLD Reds, Brisbane Boys College)
Harry Whitaker (NSW Waratahs, Newington College, Randwick Warriors)
Hasani Bloomfield (NSW Waratahs, The King's School, Hills Junior Rugby Club)
Hemi Rakuita (QLD Reds, Ipswich Grammar School)
Jack Calleja (QLD Reds, Ipswich Grammar School)
Jarryd King (NSW Waratahs, Newington College, Randwick Warriors)
Justice Taumoepeau (NSW Waratahs, St Joseph's College, Oatley Junior Rugby Club)
Nicholas Kotarac (NSW Waratahs, Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga Tigers)
Oliver Smith (NSW Waratahs, The King's School, Norths Pirates Rugby Club)
Selesitino Mainakavika (NSW Waratahs, St Johns College Dubbo, Dubbo Junior Rugby Club)
Tahj Smith (NSW Waratahs, Barker College, Central Eastwood)
Taione Taka (QLD Reds, Brisbane Boys College, Wests Rugby Club)
Talen Risati (NSW Waratahs, The King's School, Dural Rugby Club)
Visesio Kite (QLD Reds, Anglican Church Grammar School)
William Adrian De Klerk (QLD Reds, Sunshine Coast Grammar School)
