Australia’s preparations for their upcoming tour of Japan and Europe have received a major boost with the return of flyhalf Carter Gordon, who was swiftly recalled to the Wallabies squad just hours after requalifying for national selection.
The 24-year-old playmaker, who recently left the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans to rejoin rugby union with the Queensland Reds, was officially added to Joe Schmidt’s 34-man squad on Monday. His return fills the void left by Tom Lynagh, sidelined by injury since the British & Irish Lions series, and Noah Lolesio, who has been out since the opening test win over Fiji.
“Carter Gordon will get the opportunity to integrate back into the Wallabies environment,” said head coach Joe Schmidt. “We’ve taken a long-term approach with Tom Lynagh. He’s still young and will continue a tailored recovery program managed jointly by Wallabies and Queensland Reds staff.”
Gordon made his Wallabies debut in 2023 and earned eight test caps before making a short-lived switch to rugby league. Limited opportunities in the NRL prompted his return to the 15-a-side game — a move that now sees him back in the national setup as Australia look to rebuild momentum ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Schmidt has largely retained the core group from the Rugby Championship campaign, opting against calling up overseas-based players such as veteran James O’Connor. However, he indicated that additional reinforcements could be considered for fixtures within the World Rugby international window.
Among the notable inclusions are outside backs Dylan Pietsch and Andrew Kellaway, both returning from injury layoffs. The squad also features two potential debutants — former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross and scrumhalf Kalani Thomas.
The Wallabies’ five-test tour begins against Japan in Tokyo on October 24, followed by clashes with England (London, Nov 2), Italy (Udine, Nov 9), Ireland (Dublin, Nov 16), and France (Paris, Nov 23).
Wallabies Touring Squad
Backs: Filipo Daugunu, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Carter Gordon, Jake Gordon, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Ryan Lonergan, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Kalani Thomas, Corey Toole.
Forwards: Allan Ala’alatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson
English