RUGBY: Lynagh, McDermott, Wright back in Wallabies squad for January camp

SYDNEY - Fly-half Tom Lynagh, scrum-half Tate McDermott, and fullback Tom Wright were recalled to the Wallabies squad on Friday for a January training camp in Sydney ahead of next year’s 17-test campaign.

Lynagh, 22, was rested for the November tour after starting his first three tests in the intense atmosphere of the British & Irish Lions series.

McDermott, a dynamic playmaker, was a consistent presence in the match-day squad throughout the 2025 season until he suffered a hamstring injury that required surgery following a clash with the All Blacks in late September.

Wright sustained an ACL injury against the Springboks in August, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. His absence was deeply felt as the Wallabies managed only two wins in their final nine matches.

“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,” coach Joe Schmidt said in a news release.

“It also provides a chance to complete 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.”

Lynagh was one of four fly-halves named in the squad, joined by the recalled Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, and Carter Gordon.

Prop Massimo De Lutiis, who battled multiple injuries last season, was the only uncapped player included in the 40-man squad.

Forwards: 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: 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 -Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters