Australia A national rugby union team

Australia A are a national representative rugby union team of Australian rugby union. They are a second tier team to the national side, the Wallabies. Australia 'A' matches are usually used as a stepping stone up to Wallaby selection. The team often plays at smaller venues than the Wallabies, and fringe Wallaby players usually have a chance to impress selecters during these games. The team will often feature in games in tours such as when the British and Irish Lions come to Australia.

Australia were originally invited to take part in the Pacific Nations Cup but decided against sending a team stating that they wanted to focus on their domestic competition. However, Australia hosted two games in the inaugural tournament and then joined the competition in 2007.cite web | publisher=BBC | title=Australia A to join Pacific Cup | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/6063476.stm| accessdate=19 October | accessyear=2006] Their current coach is Phil Mooney and their captain is Morgan Turinui

Current Squad

Squad for the 2008 IRB Pacific Nations Cup.

* Coach: Phil Mooney

ee also

* The Wallabies

References

External links

* [http://www.rugby.com.au/matches/tournaments/bundaberg_rum_rugby_series/2006/australia_a_v_fiji_2,46352.html Australia 'A' v Fiji]
* [http://www.westernforce.com/news/eight_wallabies_to_start_for_australia_a,46811.html Eight Wallabies to start for Australia A, as Campbell debuts as captain]
* [http://www.rugby.com.au/news/australia_a_2008/australia_a_team_for_japan,88477.html/section/21893 Strong team named for Australia A clash with Japan]