As Rugby Australia turns to a familiar face to run another independent review into their frustrating year, injured stars Tom Wright and Tate McDermott have been named in a 40-man Wallabies squad for a three-day pre-season camp in Sydney in early January.

The pair missed the Wallabies’ end-of-year tour with leg injuries and their absence was felt as Joe Schmidt’s side recorded some unwanted history by becoming the first Australian team to go winless on a four-Test tour of Europe.

Neither backline ace is expected to be fit for the start of the Super Rugby season, but the January 5 camp will be the only time the Wallabies are together before their 14-Test campaign starts in July.

Rising prop Massimo De Lutiis, who was also included in the squad in early 2025, is the only uncapped player in the group.

Four playmakers have also been included, with Tom Lynagh and Ben Donaldson named despite missing the Wallabies’ Spring Tour.

No overseas-based players are in the squad either, with 21 forwards and 19 backs named.

 “The couple of days we have together in early January will provide a final opportunity to look back on, and to learn from, a demanding 2025 Test campaign,” outgoing coach Joe Schmidt said.
 
“It also provides a chance to complete some national testing and check in with the players from a medical perspective before they return to their Super Rugby Pacific clubs ahead of the 2026 season.”

The Wallabies during their end of year tour. Photo: Julius Dimataga, Rugby Australia

Undoubtedly the Wallabies’ horror finish to 2025 will be heavily scrutinised after Schmidt’s side lost seven of their last eight Tests, including their final four of the year.

The Roar understands World Rugby consultant Mike McGovern, who knows RA high performance director Peter Horne well, will run the review.

The loss of Wright, McDermott and French-based Will Skelton hurt the Wallabies’ desire to push on from their drought-breaking win against the Springboks in Johannesburg, but Schmidt’s selections and tactics came under increasing scrutiny the deeper the year went.

That was certainly the case after Schmidt parachuted Carter Gordon into the Wallabies’ end of year tour squad despite having an injury-riddled year in the NRL.

While most international unions regularly conduct reviews, it’s unlikely RA will make the findings public.

Wallabies 40-man squad for January 5, 2026 pre-season camp

Forwards (21)

Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Canham, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Massimo De Lutiis, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu, Darcy Swain, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson

Backs (19)

Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Carter Gordon, Jake Gordon, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Ryan Lonergan, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Corey Toole, Tom Wright

2026 Wallabies Fixtures

Wallabies vs Ireland, Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies vs France, Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies vs Italy, Saturday July 18 at TBC

Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 8 at TBC

Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Wallabies vs Argentina, Saturday August 29 at TBC

Wallabies vs Argentina, Saturday September 5 at TBC

Wallabies vs South Africa, Saturday 27 September at TBC

Wallabies vs New Zealand, Saturday 10 October at Eden Park, Auckland

Wallabies vs New Zealand, Saturday 17 October at Accor Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies vs England, Sunday November 8 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London

Wallabies vs Scotland, Sunday November 15 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Wallabies vs Wales, Saturday November 21, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27