Western Force Fortescue Academy players Sifa Amone, Luke Callan, Jhy Legg, George Poolman, Andrew Romano, Connor Seve and Ned Slack-Smith have all been selected for the upcoming Junior Wallabies camp in Canberra, with Justin Landman named as a shadow player.
Assembling in Canberra on February 20, the Junior Wallabies will base themselves in the nation’s capital till March 1 as they prepare for the annual Oceania U20s Championship that will take place in early July this year.
With five players having travelled over east last week with the senior squad and three (Amone, Callan and Poolman) featuring in the 42-33 trial match win over the Queensland Reds on Saturday, this is yet another significant moment for the Academy.
General Manager of the Academy Chris Goodman highlighted the significance of their selection by Junior Wallabies Head Coach Nathan Grey.
“It’s special. They are players who have worked really hard to get to this point,” Goodman explained.
“Being isolated from the rest of the country in Western Australia during COVID makes it harder for them to push their case. To their credit, they’ve played some quality rugby and produced some great strength and conditioning testing results.
“More importantly, they’ve contributed to the culture off the field as well. For them to gain selection to represent themselves, their families and the Force is massive.
Goodman also noted the importance of the experience.
“This is another step in their pathway to becoming professional players. To be involved with the Junior Wallabies with the standard of their coaching is hugely beneficial,” he added.
“It’s an opportunity to be in a different environment with different players, which is all very positive for their development.”
Amone, Callan and Seve are currently with the senior squad in Brisbane and will be pushing to make their Super Rugby debuts before heading to Canberra for the training camp.
Western Force Fortescue Academy Players Selected for Junior Wallabies (U20 Australian National Team): Sifa Amone (tighthead prop) Luke Callan (lock/loose forward) Jhy Legg (loose forward/lock) George Poolman (fly-half) Andrew Romano (loosehead prop) Connor Seve (lock) Ned Slack-Smith (number eight) Justin Landman (outside back – shadow player)
