Teenager James O'Connor is poised to become the second youngest Wallaby player ever after today being included in the 34-man Australian rugby squad for the spring tour to Europe.
Western Force utility back O'Connor is one of four newcomers named by coach Robbie Deans, along with Western Force openside flanker David Pocock, Queensland Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper and NSW Waratahs prop Sekope Kepu.
At 18 years and 80 days, O'Connor should become the second youngest player ever to play for Australia when he first takes the field during the six-match tour starting late next month.
The youngest ever Wallaby was Queensland winger Brian Ford, who was 18 years and 90 days when he appeared against New Zealand at Brisbane in 1957.
A product of Brisbane's Nudgee College, O'Connor played for the Australian Schoolboys last year before being secured by the Western Force and greatly impressed in his debut Super 14 which included starting four matches.
"James' inclusion at this juncture is not a decision we have made lightly," said coach Robbie Deans.
"He is a young man with a bright future. We believe he is good to go in terms of starting his development as an international player.
"Obviously, his is a special circumstance. He has been included primarily to learn his trade, but we believe he has a lot to offer now."
Queensland Reds winger Digby Ioane and Brumbies lock Mark Chisholm return for the tour after being omitted from the Wallabies squad for the recent Tri-Nations series.
Flanker Rocky Elsom and lock Dan Vickerman were ruled out of selection after deciding to head off-shore, but the rest of the playing roster from the Tri-Nations has been retained.
This includes halfback Luke Burgess, inside centre Berrick Barnes, winger Lote Tuqiri and No.8 Wycliff Palu, who all ended the tournament on the injured list.
The fitness of Palu, who strained the medial ligament in his knee against the All Blacks two weeks ago, and Tuqiri, who underwent minor knee surgery last week, will be assessed closer to the time of the Wallabies' departure for Hong Kong.
The tour, which includes Tests against New Zealand, Italy, England, France and Wales, as well as a match against the Barbarians, marks the 100th anniversary of the first Wallaby tour of the United Kingdom in 1908.
The Wallabies leave for Hong Kong, and the first leg of the tour against the All Blacks, on Oct 27.
Cooper and Pocock were not considered for the Wallaby squad earlier in the year, instead being released to attend the under-20 World Cup in Wales.
Kepu, who is a former New Zealand age-group representative, made his debut for the Waratahs earlier in the year, appearing four times in the Super 14.
Wallabies squad:
Forwards: Ben Alexander (Brumbies), Alastair Baxter (Waratahs), Richard Brown (Western Force), Mark Chisholm (Brumbies), Matt Dunning (Waratahs), Adam Freier (Waratahs), James Horwill (Reds), Sekope Kepu (Waratahs), Hugh McMeniman (Reds), Dean Mumm (Waratahs), Stephen Moore (Reds), Wycliff Palu (Waratahs), David Pocock (Western Force), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs), Benn Robinson (Waratahs), Nathan Sharpe (Western Force), George Smith (Brumbies), Phil Waugh (Waratahs).
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies), Berrick Barnes (Reds), Luke Burgess (Waratahs), Quade Cooper (Reds), Sam Cordingley (Reds), Ryan Cross (Western Force), Matt Giteau (Western Force), Peter Hynes (Reds), Digby Ioane (Reds), Drew Mitchell (Western Force), Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies/capt), James O'Connor (Western Force), Brett Sheehan (Waratahs), Timana Tahu (Waratahs), Lote Tuqiri (Waratahs), Lachie Turner (Waratahs).
Tour itinerary
Nov 1 v New Zealand, Hong Kong
Nov 8 v Italy, Padova
Nov 15 v England, London (Twickenham)
Nov 22 v France, Paris
Nov 29 v Wales, Cardiff
Dec 3 v Barbarians, London (Wembley)
AAP
