Former dual-code international Lote Tuqiri will make his comeback for the NSW Waratahs during the Brisbane Tens, having been confirmed as the side’s wildcard player for the tournament.
Tuqiri was named alongside Wallabies star Israel Folau, barnstorming winger Taqele Naiyaravoro, as well as former Australian sevens players Con Foley and Cam Clarke, who will both make their Tahs debuts at the tournament.
However, while there are a number of players named who are on the fringes of the national team, including Naiyaravoro and recent debutants Tom Robertson and Tolu Latu, Folau is the only Wallabies regular named in the side.
Flanker Michael Hooper, playmaker Bernard Foley and scrumhalf Nick Phipps have all been left out as the Super Rugby season draws near, with youngsters like Jake Gordon, Mack Mason and Andrew Kellaway set to be given the chance to impress.
Tuqiri will join a number of other ex-Wallabies, including Chris Latham (Reds), Stephen Larkham and Andrew Walker (both Brumbies) who will take part in the two-day tournament as wildcard players.
The league convert said he is up for the challenge of turning out for the Waratahs once again.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge, but I must admit I’m a little nervous,” Tuqiri said.
“I’ve been working pretty hard and feeling good, I wouldn’t have agreed to this if I wasn’t prepared and I’m definitely feeling prepared.”
NSW coach Daryl Gibson said Tuqiri’s presence would benefit the side’s younger players.
“Lote brings loads of experience to the Waratahs playing group and it will be a good chance for our younger guys to take the field with someone who has played rugby at all levels,” Gibson said.
“Having the opportunity for them to learn from a playmaker like Lote will provide an added boost for the boys and a different type of preparation.”
The Brisbane Tens begins on February 11 at Suncorp Stadium, while the Waratahs’ Super Rugby campaign will kick off two weeks later on Saturday, February 25.
NSW Waratahs squad for Brisbane Global Tens
Israel Folau, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Paddy Ryan, Hugh Roach, Damien Fitzpatrick, Ned Hanigan, Ryan McCauley, Michael Wells, Rory O’Connor, Patrick McCutcheon, Brad Wilkin, Jamason Schultz, Matt Lucas, Jake Gordon, Mack Mason, Bryce Hegarty, David Horwitz, Andrew Deegan, Con Foley, Andrew Kellaway, Cam Clark, Harry Jones, Reece Robinson, Lote Tuqiri
Machooka
Roar Guru
Oh please RubberLegs.... durrrrr!
Kiwi oz
Guest
This tournament Rugby 10s should have been for up and coming players on the fringe of super rugby along side experienced players. That's just me . This step up for younger players and better for the game would have been the better option I think.
Mike Julz
Guest
Ok now, I'm putting my money on them to win it.
RubberLegs
Guest
I like the statement "...youngsters like Jake Gordon, Mack Mason and Andrew Kellaway set to be given the chance to impress for the Wallabies." Evidently, if you have signed up for the Tahs; you're on the cusp of Wallaby selection from day one.
DOUBLES
Guest
Plenty of tickets on Gumtree if you miss out..
Jock Cornet
Guest
Great side and glad to see Hooper and Foley rested
ClarkeG
Guest
There was a rumour going around Wellington the Gorgonites were turning up. That alone was good enough reason to stay away. :-)
allblackfan
Guest
come June when the Lions are in town, it will be a different story
Joe
Roar Rookie
That's a pretty good team and Tuqiri is a decent wildcard having just recently retired. Love to see what Folau does with all that space, I think he would have been awesome in 7s. Taqele also will be a handful in this shortened format, I think its perfect for him...not as much space as 7s but enough space for him to use his speed and power. I think the Tahs should do well in the tournament.
King Gorgonite
Roar Rookie
How are the ticket sales tracking? Where were all the crowds in Wellington? NZ rugby is dead!
piru
Guest
There were more Kiwis on my train this morning than at the Wellington 7s
nugget
Guest
Will the Brisbane Tens be on Free to Air?
Browny
Guest
Pretty sure you could say that about any upcoming public event and the same would be true.
Brisbane Boys
Guest
One thing is for certain there will be more Kiwis at this event than was at the Wellington sevens on the weekend