Australia U20 head coach Nathan Grey has named six fresh faces in his 30-man squad to contest the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa. The 30 players will assemble in Sydney next week to finalise preparations before departing for Cape Town.
ACT's Kadin Pritchard (outside back) and Dan Nelson (scrumhalf) have been brought in alongside NSW trio Oniti Finau (hooker), Joe Dillon (flyhalf) and Archie Saunders (winger) with Queensland's Trevor King (prop) also returning in a new-look 30-man squad.
King was a member of last year's U20 World Championship tilt while Saunders' inclusion is set to turn heads with the young winger clocking around 10.3 seconds over 100 metres.
Reds playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Phillips adds firepower to the squad after being called into TRC U20 at the eleventh hour with lock Toby Macpherson and Brumbies stablemate Nelson named captain and vice-captain respectively.
Forward duo Dom Thygesen and Eamon Doyle also hold onto their berths after entering last month's tournament as injury cover.
Australia will face Georgia, Ireland and Italy in the U20 Championship pool stage, kicking off on 29 June.
ACT Brumbies lock Toby Macpherson will captain the side, with scrumhalf Dan Nelson named vice-captain.
"We've selected an exciting group of players who have been delivering impressive performances for their club sides over the last few weeks," Grey said.
"The opportunity for these young men to now come together and represent Australia on the world stage is truly special.
"What awaits us in Cape Town is a formidable challenge, starting with our three pool opponents in Georgia, Italy and Ireland.
"However we're prepared and ready to embrace that challenge."
Grey's coaching team has been bolstered by the inclusion of former Wallabies Matt Cockbain and Ben Mowen, who will serve alongside Shannon Fraser as assistant coaches in Cape Town.
The U20 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.
Australia U20 Championship Squad:
ACT Brumbies
Tevita Alatini - Gungahlin Eagles
Harvey Cordukes - Uni-Norths Owls
Toby Macpherson – Uni-Norths Owls
Jarrah McLeod – Canberra Royals
Dan Nelson – Canberra Royals
Angus Staniforth – Canberra Royals
Shane Wilcox - Tuggeranong Vikings
Jack Harley - Gungahlin Eagles
Lington Ieli - Tuggeranong Vikings
Kadin Pritchard - Gungahlin Eagles
Western Force
Boston Fakafanua - Sydney University
Ronan Leahy - Sydney University
Dane Sawers – Kalamunda Districts Rugby Union Club
Melbourne Rebels
Ottavio Tuipulotu - Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club
Australia Sevens
Aden Ekanayake – Gordon Rugby Club
Queensland Reds
Nick Bloomfield – Easts Rugby Club
Frankie Goldsbrough - Easts Brisbane
Trevor King – Souths Rugby Club Brisbane
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Souths Rugby Club Brisbane
Dominic Thygesen - Souths Rugby Club Brisbane
William McCulloch - Norths Brisbane
NSW Waratahs
Jack Barrett – Randwick Rugby Club
Ben Di Staso – Eastern Suburbs
Bryn Edwards - Sydney University
Ollie McCrea – Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club
Archie Saunders – Warringah Rugby Club
Eamon Doyle - Sydney University
Hwi Sharples - Sydney University
Joe Dillon - Manly Marlins
Oniti Finau - Randwick Rugby Club