The Wallabies squad to face the British and Irish Lions has finally been announced.
Coach Joe Schmidt unveiled his 36-man squad in Brisbane on Friday afternoon, eight days out from the first Test at Suncorp Stadium.
Earlier in the week, there had been some late drama for Australia, after first-choice playmaker Noah Lolesio was ruled out of the series after undergoing neck surgery. That was a cruel blow for both player and team, though it has opened up an opportunity for veteran James O'Connor
Check out our player-by-player Wallabies guide below!.
- British & Irish Lions fixtures for Australia tour
PROPS
Allan Alaalatoa, Brumbies
BIO: A veteran of the Wallabies' front-row, Alaalatoa is a dominant scrummager at tighthead and determined ball-carrier. He has also previously captained the Wallabies under both Dave Rennie and Eddie Jones.
TEST CAPS: 80
Angus Bell, NSW Waratahs
BIO: Bell has fast become a key figure for the Wallabies, with his scrummaging improving year on year in the Test arena. But it is with ball in hand where he is most devastating, his footwork, fend and leg drive combining to make him a difficult proposition for defensive lines.
TEST CAPS: 36
Zane Nonggorr, Queensland Reds
BIO: Once dubbed "Baby Thor" in reference to Taniela Tupou, aka the "Tongan Thor", Nonggorr is very much still in the infancy of his Test career having first debuted in 2023. But he is on an upward trajectory and this series will provide a vital development opportunity if and when he gets on the field.
TEST CAPS: 10
Tom Robertson, Western Force
BIO: Robertson is back in Wallabies reckoning this year after a fine Super Rugby season with Western Force. Capable of playing on both sides of the scrum, his versatility make him a strong bench option, while he is a seasoned campaigner having made his Test debut way back in 2016.
TEST CAPS: 31
James Slipper, ACT Brumbies
BIO: The most capped Wallaby of all time, Slipper is a revered figure in Australian rugby. The front-rower debuted back in 2010 and 14 years later he surpassed George Gregan's mark of 139 Test appearances. Adept at either loosehead or tighthead prop, Slipper's versatility and experience are huge assets for Australia.
TEST CAPS: 143
Taniela Tupou, NSW Waratahs
BIO: Once upon a time, Tupou was one of the most feared props in the game. But he hasn't been the same player since consecutive Achilles and calf injuries in 2022 and 2023. He has also come under seemingly greater focus from referees at scrum time, whether that is fair or unfair is up for debate.
TEST CAPS: 58
HOOKERS
Matt Faessler, Queensland Reds
BIO: Faessler burst onto the scene in 2023, earning himself an unlikely Rugby World Cup spot under Eddie Jones. He then kicked on in 2024, establishing himself as the Wallabies first-choice rake. Injuries limited his Super Rugby season in 2025, but he is back to full fitness and ready to take on the Lions
TEST CAPS: 14
Billy Pollard, ACT Brumbies
BIO: Once the target of NRL clubs, Pollard has committed his future to Australian rugby through 2027. A dynamic ball-carrier, Pollard is working hard to refine his set-piece skills, lineout in particular, but this season enjoyed a serene passage at the back of the Brumbies' maul.
TEST CAPS:6
David Porecki, NSW Waratahs
BIO: One of the Wallabies captains in a dire 2023 World Cup campaign, Porecki did not lace a boot in 2024 as he battled through a troublesome Achilles injury. But he was back on the paddock for the Waratahs in Super Rugby this year when he reinforced his set-piece quality. Porecki did suffer a head knock against Fiji, but should be right to go for the first Test if required.
TEST CAPS: 19
LOCKS
Josh Canham, Queensland Reds
BIO: Melbourne-raised Canham packed his bags and headed north to Ballymore after the demise of the Rebels, the Victorian cementing himself among a talented group of locks at the Reds. While his set-piece still needs work, Canham is an athletic lock with a good turn of speed and huge upside.
TEST CAPS: 1
Nick Frost, ACT Brumbies
BIO: Frost continues to develop at Test level, his lineout work now matching his athletic ability around the paddock. Frost made the call to head to the Crusaders out of school, before heading home to Australia to join the Brumbies -- both those decisions paying dividends as he now sits as one of the Wallabies' premier locks.
TEST CAPS: 25
Tom Hooper, ACT Brumbies
BIO: Hooper will soon head of Exeter, meaning his Test career could be halted at the end of the Lions series. But he certainly deserves his place in the squad, having had an outstanding 2025 Super Rugby season with the Brumbies. A tireless second-rower, who can also cover the back-row, there is nothing flashy about Hooper -- but he certainly is effective.
TEST CAPS: 10
Will Skelton, La Rochelle
BIO: The Wallabies' 2023 World Cup captain, Skelton again finds himself back in the mix under Schmidt. A calf injury ruled him out of the Test against Fiji, but he now appears ready to play. At his best, he is one of the best locks on the planet, his giant frame and ability to disrupt opposition mauls making him a valuable proposition.
TEST CAPS: 32
Jeremy Williams, Western Force
BIO: Williams is an emerging star in Australian rugby, having stepped up to the Test arena in 2024. The Force skipper is a durable and hard-working lock, who's restart and lineout proficiency have made him a favourite of Schmidt's. At just 24 years of age, he has a long Test career in front of him.
TEST CAPS: 10
BACK-ROWERS
Nick Champion de Crespigny, Western Force
BIO: Champion de Crespigny has had to take the long road to earn his Wallabies call-up, but it is nothing less than his debut Super Rugby season deserved. The Force forward had to go to France to get his professional start, but hasn't looked back since. He brings a raw, physical edge that is in short supply for the Wallabies.
TEST CAPS: Uncapped
Langi Gleeson, NSW Waratahs
BIO: Told he was not wanted at Wallabies camp at the start of the year due to an impending move overseas, Gleeson's form during the Super Rugby Pacific demanded selection. The Waratahs No. 8 was outstanding all season, emerging with the Matt Burke Cup as the team's best player. While he will soon be on the outer at Test level, Gleeson has a key role to play against the Lions, particularly as a versatile bench option.
TEST CAPS: 14
Fraser McReight, Queensland Reds
BIO: One of the Wallabies' best in recent years, McReight is on the way to being a world-class No. 7. Having assumed the openside position from Michael Hooper, McReight's on-ball ability, support play and work rate are up there with the best in the game. If the Wallabies are to worry the Lions, McReight will need to be a constant threat at the breakdown.
TEST CAPS: 25
Carlo Tizzano, Western Force
BIO: Tizzano has come of age in recent years, having returned home to Perth where his rugby career first began. The dynamic on-baller may not have the speed of McReight, but he is equally adept at the breakdown and this year had a real knack of finding the tryline. Tizzano was a standout for the Wallabies defensively in last year's Rugby Championship.
TEST CAPS: 5
Rob Valetini, ACT Brumbies
BIO: The two-time reigning John Eales Medallist, Valetini has grown into a world-class back-rower for the Wallabies. The Brumbies star seldom has a bad game, his power carries and bruising defence earning him respect and praise in equal measure among his teammates and the Australian rugby cohort at large. Valetini gets the Wallabies on the front foot, while he also boasts an underrated broader skill set.
TEST CAPS: 52
Harry Wilson, Queensland Reds
BIO: At the start of last year, Wilson was still scrapping for a place in the run-on side. But by the end of the Rugby Championship he was the Wallabies captain and a key fixture of Schmidt's planning. Wilson is a dynamic ball-carrier who can produce some incredible offloads, while the big improvements in his game have come on the defensive side of the ball. He led from the front against Fiji in Newcastle, scoring the match-winner in the 79th minute.
TEST CAPS: 22
SCRUM-HALVES
Jake Gordon, NSW Waratahs
BIO: Gordon established himself as Schmidt's first-choice in 2024, which would ultimately led to him re-signing with Australian rugby when a move overseas beckoned. The Waratahs skipper has the best box kick in Australian rugby, an assured pass, and is a wonderful support player. He does however enter the Lions series under an injury cloud after a difficult Super Rugby season.
TEST CAPS: 29
Tate McDermott, Queensland Reds
BIO: Few players are as dangerous as McDermott around the ruck, particularly when his team are going forward. The Queensland skipper is blessed with wonderful footwork and can make players twice his size look foolish. He can inject real energy off the bench, but will push hard for a start against the Lions after wearing the No. 9 jersey against Fiji. He has also previously captained the Wallabies.
TEST CAPS: 41
Nic White, Western Force
BIO: The veteran of the Australian backline contingent, White remains as tenacious as ever. His core skills remain strong, while he is never short of a word either. White is very much the third-string No. 9 option for Schmidt, but he adds a wealth of experience from his long Test career.
TEST CAPS: 71
FLY-HALVES
Ben Donaldson, Western Force
BIO: Donaldson has been in and around the Wallabies setup for a few years now, but he appears set to play a leading role against the Lions after Noah Lolesio's neck injury. Donaldson possesses a good all-round game, but questions remain around his ability to handle the pressure of Test rugby.
TEST CAPS: 16
Tom Lynagh, Queensland Reds
BIO: The son of Wallabies great Michael, Lynagh is only just starting out on his international career. He has put together three solid Super Rugby seasons for the Reds, but has had his issues with head knocks. The youngster plays above his diminutive frame however, and is a reliable goal-kicker.
TEST CAPS: 3
James O'Connor, Crusaders
BIO: One of only two Wallabies survivors from the last Lions tour, O'Connor has completed an amazing return to the Test arena after spending the 2025 Super Rugby season with the Crusaders. An injury to Noah Lolesio opened the door for O'Connor to earn a recall, and he will add some valuable experience to a green Wallabies fly-half group.
TEST CAPS: 64
CENTRES
Len Ikitau, ACT Brumbies
BIO: Ikitau has established himself as one of the world's best outside centres, though he has shuffled in one spot closer to No. 12 since the arrival of Josep-Aukuso Suaalii. A dominant defender, who possesses a wonderful fend and footwork, Ikitau has become a mainstay of the Wallabies' midfield.
TEST CAPS: 39
Hunter Paisami, Queensland Reds
BIO: Paisami first emerged on the Wallabies scene under Dave Rennie, but has now kicked on under Joe Schmidt. He may not be the first-choice No. 12 for this series, but he has shown previously he can do a job in midfield, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
TEST CAPS: 31
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, NSW Waratahs
BIO: Australia's $5.4m dollar man, Suaalii created headlines the world over with his man-of-the-match performance in his first game of professional rugby. The former Sydney Roosters star has so far lived up to the hype, while he has dreamed about facing the Lions since 2013. A powerhouse on both sides of the ball, he has a huge role to play for the Wallabies this series.
TEST CAPS: 4
OUTSIDE BACKS
Filipo Daugunu, Queensland Reds
BIO: Capable of playing on the wing or at outside centre, Daugunu possesses wonderful footwork and is also a physical defender. The Fijian-born flyer returned to the Reds after a stint with the now-defunct Melbourne Rebels, and looked right at home under Les Kiss.
TEST CAPS: 11
Max Jorgensen, NSW Waratahs
BIO: Jorgensen has has a frustrating start to his Test career, but gave a glimpse of his immense talent with some quality finishes in Europe last year. The youngster has amazing footwork and a turn of speed that set him apart in Australian rugby. He is the son of former Wallaby and code-hopper Peter Jorgensen.
TEST CAPS: 7
Andrew Kellaway, NSW Waratahs
BIO: A constant performer for the Wallabies since he made his debut in 2021, Kellaway barely puts a foot wrong on the wing. He is a sound defender who makes good decisions with ball in hand; he can also cover fullback and outside centre.
TEST CAPS: 39
Dylan Pietsch, Western Force
BIO: A former sevens star, Pietsch has made a successful switch to 15s first with the Waratahs and now the Force. He is a powerful ball-carrier who also hits hard in defence, while his years on the sevens circuit have honed his restart and breakdown skills. If Pietsch can stay injury free, he will be a real asset for the Wallabies.
TEST CAPS: 5
Harry Potter, Western Force
BIO: Another player whose first professional opportunity came offshore, Potter graduated to Test rugby in 2024 after a fine season for the Force. He is a devastating finisher who is also dangerous on the counter-attack, his swerving running style a real handful for opposition defences.
TEST CAPS: 2
Tom Wright, ACT Brumbies
BIO: Wright was one of the hard-luck stories of the failed Eddie Jones era, but the Brumbies flyer used that disappointment to fuel his return to Test rugby. A brilliant counter-attacker, Wright can make defenders look silly, particularly when he is decisive. He is also blessed with a rapid turn of pace and is seldom short on confidence.
TEST CAPS: 37