Cheika names new-look Qantas Wallabies training squad for historic three-Test England Series

May 26 • General News, International • 1384 Views • Comments Off on Cheika names new-look Qantas Wallabies training squad for historic three-Test England Series

Michael Cheika named his Qantas Wallabies Squad today for the historic three-Test series against the reigning Six Nations champions, England.

The two nations have a long rivalry which dates back to 1909, however 2016 marks the first year that England and Australia have ever played a three-Test series against each other.

After the most recent clash between the two proud Rugby nations in last year’s 2015 Rugby World Cup, where Australia defeated the hosts in an emphatic 33-13 victory, the Qantas Wallabies are aiming to vanquish Eddie Jones’ England to bring the Cook Cup back to Australia.

The Qantas Wallabies squad announcement was made at Southbank in Brisbane – a fitting location given that the first Test kicks off in Brisbane and nine of the squad members are currently aligned with the Queensland Reds.

Michael Cheika said: “We have selected this squad with one eye on the now and one on the future and there’s a huge focus on building depth within the squad.”

“For example, we want to work with three tight fives and four number 7s, looking to build that competition within that type of combination.

“Our first week in camp will target a high intensity training attitude, building on combinations within that environment. We want to build on the identity we’ve worked hard on establishing over the past 18 months.”

Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said the Wallabies squad would feel the nation’s full support behind them with the first game at Suncorp Stadium.

“Queenslanders love their rugby and we anticipate a big crowd in Brisbane to help lift the team against England on June 11,” Minister Jones said.

“I want to congratulate the players and wish them all the best in what will be a fantastic sporting showpiece for Queensland at the best rugby stadium in Australia.”

The series will be played at three of Australia’s premier rectangular venues, kicking off at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane (8pm, Saturday 11 June), followed by AAMI Park in Melbourne (8pm, Saturday 18 June) and Allianz Stadium in Sydney (8pm, Saturday 25 June).

Over 90% of tickets for the series have already been sold, so fans are urged to get in quickly to secure their seats for this historic series. The Gold Brigade Fan Group will also return throughout 2016, with tickets for Wallabies’ most passionate fans now sold out for the England Series.