Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has selected eight Plus500 Brumbies in his 31-man squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, including four of the Brumbies front-rowers and Christian Lealiifano.
The Brumbies inspirational captain's return to the Test arena has been one of the biggest stories in World Rugby recently, fans across the globe in awe of Lealiifano's story of resilience and courage but his selection was based on merit alone, after having one of the best seasons of his career.
Scott Sio and James Slipper's combination at scrum time was a potent weapon for the Brumbies in 2019, and the Wallabies will be hoping they can recreate that on the world stage.
Fellow front row's Allan Alaalatoa and Folau Fainga'a are both expected to feature heavily at the tournament, Alaalatoa's inclusion come's after the tighthead was awarded the Brett Robinson Player's Player award earlier this month.
Rory Arnold was named forward of the year that night, and he takes his seat on the plane to Japan as well alongside David Pocock, who was the star of the tournament four years ago in England.
Tevita Kuridrani, rounds out the Brumbies World Cup contingent after also securing back of the year honours this month.
Tom Banks and Joe Powell, despite being two of the standout Australian players in Super Rugby, miss out on selection for Japan though they have been selected in the extended squad for camp and the test against Samoa.
Elsewhere, former Brumby Adam Ashley-Cooper will play in his fourth Rugby World Cup becoming just the second Wallaby to ever do so after fellow Brumbies legend, George Gregan.
The Wallabies will play their opening match of Pool D against Fiji at Sapporo Dome, Sapporo on September 21, followed by Wales at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo eight days later.
The Wallabies will then take on Uruguay and Georgia in Oita and Shizuoka on October 5 and October 11, respectively. The two highest-ranked teams at the end of the pool stage will advance to the Quarter Finals.
Foxtel will showcase every Rugby World Cup game LIVE across two dedicated channels with no ad-breaks during play and in 4K. All games will also be streamed LIVE and On Demand on Kayo Sports
Ten of the best matches, including every Wallabies match at the Rugby World Cup will also be LIVE and FREE on Network Ten.
Take-off Test
Qantas Wallabies v Samoa at Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta, Saturday 7 September at 7.30pm AEST
2019 Rugby World Cup
Wallabies v Fiji at Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Japan, Saturday 21 September at 2.45pm AEST
Wallabies v Wales at Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo, Sunday 29 September at 5.45pm AEST
Wallabies v Uruguay at Oita Bank Dome, Oita, Saturday 5 October at 3.15pm AEST
Wallabies v Georgia at Shizuoka Stadium, Shizuoka, Friday 11 October at 9.15pm AEST
Forwards
Allan Alaalatoa (34 Tests, Brumbies, 25)*
Rory Arnold (22 Tests , Brumbies, 29)*
Adam Coleman (33 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 28)*
Jack Dempsey (11 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 25)*
Folau Fainga’a (11 Tests, Brumbies, 24)*
Michael Hooper (c) (95 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 27)
Sekope Kepu (105 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 33)
Tolu Latu (15 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 26)*
Isi Naisarani (4 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 24)*
David Pocock (77 Tests, Brumbies, 31)
Izack Rodda (21 Tests, Queensland Reds, 22)*
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (15 Tests, Queensland Reds, 23)*
Rob Simmons (97 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 30)
Scott Sio (58 Tests, Brumbies, 27)
James Slipper (90 Tests, Brumbies, 30)
Taniela Tupou (15 Tests, Queensland Reds, 23)*
Jordan Uelese (3 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 22)*
Backs
Adam Ashley-Cooper (118 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 35)
Kurtley Beale (87 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 30)
Bernard Foley (69 Tests, NSW Waratahs, 29)
Will Genia (104 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 31)
Dane Haylett-Petty (32 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 30)*
Reece Hodge (37 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 24)*
Samu Kerevi (29 Tests, Queensland Reds, 25)*
Marika Koroibete (23 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 27)*
Tevita Kuridrani (60 Tests, Brumbies, 28)
Christian Lealiifano (22 Tests, Brumbies, 31)*
James O’Connor (47 Tests, Queensland Reds, 29)
Jordan Petaia (uncapped, Queensland Reds, 19)*
Matt Toomua (46 Tests, Melbourne Rebels, 29)
Nic White (26 Tests, Rugby Australia, 29)*
*Uncapped at a Rugby World Cup
