Slack-Smith and Legg named in Junior Wallabies Squad

Wed, May 17, 2023, 2:15 AM
WM
by Western Force Media

Force backrower Ned Slack-Smith and Fortescue Academy player Jhy Legg have been named in the 31-man Junior Wallabies squad for two games against the New Zealand Under-20s in Wellington.

'22 Force debutant, front rower Marley Pearce was initially selected in the squad but is unavailable for the NZ series due to his Super Rugby Pacific commitments.

The two Force representatives will go into camp on the Gold Coast from Sunday, 21 May.

The Junior Wallabies will face the Kiwis at NZCIS in Wellington at 12pm AEST Monday 29 May, before meeting again at Sky Stadium at 2.30pm AEST Saturday 3 June.

The second fixture will serve as a curtain-raiser to the Hurricanes vs. Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific fixture and be broadcast live on Stan Sport.

The Championship represents the pinnacle of international age-group Rugby and is renowned for providing the game's future stars with a platform to shine before reaching Test level.

Junior Wallabies head coach Nathan Grey said "We're very excited about getting the squad together and testing ourselves against New Zealand, who always present a great challenge."

"Many of the players in this squad essentially picked themselves through the quality and consistency of their performances playing for their clubs over the last month."

"Super Rugby Pacific commitments have forced some changes but we have the benefit of being able to draw from an extended shadow squad of players who have been involved in the program to date."

"From all corners of Australia, they come together under the Junior Wallabies banner, to represent their country with pride and take a huge step in their development as Rugby players."

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