Rugby Australia amends Wallabies selection law for 2020

A change to the Wallabies selection committee for the remainder of 2020 has been brought on by the coronavirus pandemic due to strict quarantine laws surrounding the national team camp.

A maximum of two players who do not meet the 60-cap and seven-year service threshold can now be selected for Wallabies duties during the end of season international window.

The change comes as Dave Rennie prepares to announce his first Wallabies squad on Sunday amid discussions between powerbrokers to launch a Bledisloe Cup series next month.

It could bolster the Wallabies' depth at the lock position, thus potentially bringing former Brumbies Arnold and Fardy back into the fold, amid concern selectors would be forced to throw young guns to the wolves before their time.

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Will Skelton, Liam Gill, Sean McMahon and Taqele Naiyaravoro will also enter calculations as rugby power brokers look to schedule a Rugby Championship in the face of COVID-19-induced border restrictions between countries.

"Dave will soon assemble his squad and they're likely to remain in a 'bubble' for 10 weeks with no opportunity to call in replacements for injury due to the quarantined environment," Rugby Australia interim chief executive Rob Clarke said.

"It will be a real test for those players selected, and the Wallabies management team, but I know they are incredibly excited about the opportunity.

"We are being quite clear that this addition is for this year only but that we will continue to review the entire policy from time to time, as required."

The squad size for this season's internationals will rise to 46, with Rugby Australia's move designed to give selectors greater flexibility to cope with the demands of the COVID-19 era.

The selection process includes a consultation phase between Wallabies selectors, Australian Super Rugby sides and Rugby Australia's governance and policy subcommittee. Endorsement from the Rugby Australia board will then be required to proceed.

Players returning to Australia from overseas who make a two-year commitment to an Australian Super Rugby franchise, like Nic White has with the Brumbies, will remain eligible to represent the Wallabies immediately upon return.

"First and foremost, it is crucial that we recognise those players who are currently making a daily contribution to rugby in Australia, and that will be reflected in the squad we name for this year's Test season," Rennie said.

"We now have the chance to select one or two players based overseas who don't meet the current criteria and they'll not only add some experience to our group but be able to guide our young players to help their development.

"We are also looking long term though. We want to bring players back to play Super Rugby here in Australia, especially those who are passionate about playing for the Wallabies, get them excited about being in the environment again and this is a great way to encourage that."