JOCK CAMPBELL RETURNS TO WALLABIES AFTER 1,316-DAY ABSENCE

Jock Campbell will start at fullback for Australia against Ireland on Saturday in his first Test match since late 2022. Campbell last played for the Wallabies in Florence when Australia lost to Italy, ending a 1,316-day absence from international rugby. He has featured prominently in Super Rugby ahead of the Nations Championship.

James Slipper, Australia's most-capped Test player, has been named as a replacement loosehead prop following his return from retirement. Centre Len Ikitau, flanker Tom Hooper and props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou also return to the squad after playing club rugby in Europe. Carter Gordon and Ryan Lonergan will start in the halves, with Ben Donaldson and Tate McDermott available from the bench. Lock Lachlan Shaw was named among the replacements and could make his Test debut.

Harry Wilson retains the captaincy for the match at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Coach Joe Schmidt stated the group had "reconnected quickly" and worked to prepare for "an exciting challenge against the number three team in world rugby". Australia will also host France and Italy in July as part of the southern hemisphere section of the new Nations Championship competition.