
Queensland Reds centre Dre Pakeho is one of several new inclusions from the side that went through the U20 Rugby Championship undefeated, finishing second behind New Zealand.
The Reds centre has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in Super Rugby Pacific, starting nine games for the club in 2025 and will come off the bench for the club against the Crusaders in Friday's qualifying final.
Pakeho is joined in the squad by Sevens standout Aden Ekanayake, who returns for his second year of action.
Ekanayake was recently nominated for the SVNS Rookie of the Year after an excellent year in the gold jersey.
The back-rower is one of two Sevens players in the squad alongside outside back Sid Harvey.
"This group of young men have worked extremely hard to earn the opportunity to represent Australia on the biggest stage in age-grade rugby," coach Chris Whitaker said.
"They're all excited to pull on the gold jersey and test themselves against the best in the world.
"Every match we play in Italy will present a formidable challenge however we believe our preparation has set us up to meet that challenge."
The Aussies will open their campaign against South Africa on June 29 (AEST) in a rematch of their TRC thriller.
Whitaker's side trailed by 17 points before rallying to take a 29-24 win in Gqeberha.
This will be followed by clashes against Scotland (July 4) and England (July 10)
The English are the defending champions after defeating France last year.
Meanwhile, Scotland qualified after claiming the second-tier World Trophy, conceding just five tries in four games.
Australia U20 squad for World Rugby U20 Championships
Finn Baxter (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)
Nathaniel Tiitii (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
Nick Hill (NSW Waratahs, Warringah)
Edwin Langi (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
Trevor King (Queensland Reds, Souths)
Lotu Vunipola (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
Will Guilfoyle (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
Ollie Barrett (Western Force, Associates RUFC)
Lipina Ata (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles)
Ollie Aylmer (ACT Brumbies, Gordon)
Charlie Brosnan (Queensland Reds, Brothers)
Joe Mangelsdorf (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
Eamon Doyle (c) (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
Tom Robinson (Queensland Reds, University of Queensland)
Eli Langi (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings)
Beau Morrison (ACT Brumbies, Sydney University)
Aden Ekanayake (Australia Sevens)
Toby Brial (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
Hwi Sharples (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
James Martens (Queensland Reds, GPS Rugby Club)
Joey Fowler (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
Joe Dillon (ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals)
Boston Fakafanua (Western Force, Wests Scarborough)
Dre Pakeho (Queensland Reds, Brothers)
Liam Grover (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University)
Xavier Rubens (Queensland Reds, Souths)
Nicholas Conway (Queensland Reds, Wests Bulldogs)
Cooper Watters (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
Sid Harvey (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)
Shane Wilcox (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings)
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