Former All Black Alex Hodgman named in Joe Schmidt’s first Wallabies squad

Veteran playmaker Kurtley Beale has been recalled to the Wallabies squad in Joe Schmidt’s much-anticipated first team-naming since he replaced Eddie Jones as coach.

Beale has been impressive since linking up with the Western Force in the Super Rugby Pacific competition in April after being cleared of sexual assault allegations.

But the 35-year-old’s inclusion in Schmidt’s 38-man squad for Australia’s upcoming tests against Wales and Georgia was one of the bigger surprises of Friday’s announcement.

The one-time World Player of the Year nominee hasn’t featured for the Wallabies since the 2021 spring tour of Europe.

Beale, a versatile utility back who has played fullback, wing, centre and five-eighth for Australia, was among 17 backs named.

Reds and former Blues prop Alex Hodgman has taken a step closer to becoming the fourth player to play for Australia and New Zealand, qualifying to represent the Wallabies through his Fijian-Australian father.

NRL-bound fly-half Carter Gordon was overlooked after being Jones’ first-choice 10 for last year’s World Cup in France.

Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan was another omission, with Schmidt preferring to bring NSW Waratahs captain Jake Gordon back in from the cold.

Queensland teammates Tom Lynagh and Josh Nasser have followed in their fathers’ footsteps, named in their first national squad.

Michael Lynagh and Brendan Nasser pulled on the gold jersey during the 1980s and 1990s.

Lynagh, Nasser and Hodgman are among 13 uncapped players included as Schmidt looks to move on from the disastrous Jones reign.

Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Isaac Kailea, Ryan Smith, Jeremy Williams, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Darby Lancaster, Dylan Pietsch and Hamish Stewart also have a chance to earn their first caps.

Full Wallabies squad:
Forwards - Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Alex Hodgman, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright.

Backs - Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Nic White, Tom Wright.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission