The Australian Under 19s have today announced a 26-man squad to compete in the IRB World Championships in Dubai in April, including five players contracted to Super 14 teams and two recent debutants in Brumbies hooker Saia Faingaa, and Reds winger Caleb Brown.

Fellow Super 14 contracted players, Anthony Faingaa, Josh Holmes and Brett Stapleton head a list including twelve from last year's Australian Schoolboys team that toured the UK in November.

The team, to be coached by Queensland Reds Academy Coach Phil Mooney, with former Wallaby Mark Bell as his Assistant, will have their first training day as a squad in Sydney this Sunday.

With the Under 19 program continuing to produce Wallabies, most recently Leroy Houston, Digby Ioane, Lloyd Johansson and Tatafu Polota-Nau who all played in the 2004 tournament, Mooney says the World Championship is a great opportunity for players to improve as well as experience what the game has to offer.

"I guess there are two clear goals for the blokes in this squad," said Mooney.

"As a team we want to improve and perform well and we are confident we can do that."

"As individuals, the blokes know that with hard work and commitment they will not only perform well in Dubai, but also position themselves for a possible Super 14 contract or birth down the track."

"We've already got some players who have been involved in these programs and that experience will be crucial, while the focus is on improving from last year's third place behind South Africa and New Zealand despite being undefeated."

Australia who drew with New Zealand in last year's semi final, only to lose a berth in the final against South Africa through a penalty shoot off, defeated England 29-21 to finish third.

This year, Australia will again play New Zealand in the round matches, as well as Scotland and Romania.

The squad will continue preparations for the April tournament with a five day camp in Coffs Harbour from March 21 followed by a further camp in Sydney, before flying out for Dubai on March 29.

Australian Under 19s Squad for IRB World Cup in Dubai

Surname First Name Position State
Caleb Brown Wing QLD
Benjamin Daley TH Prop QLD
Anthony Faingaa Centre ACT
Saia Faingaa Hooker ACT
William Genia Halfback QLD
AJ Gilbert Backrow NSW
Brett Gillespie Centre QLD
James Hanson Hooker QLD
Josh Holmes Halfback NSW
Taniela Hoponoa LH Prop QLD
Jack Kennedy TH Prop ACT
Jack Lam Backrow ACT
Christian Lealiifano Flyhalf ACT
Daniel Linde Lock QLD
Poutasi Luafutu Backrow QLD
Ben Lucas Flyhalf QLD
Phil Mathers Lock NSW
Patrick McCutcheon No 8 NSW
Luke McLean Fullback QLD
Jackson Mullane Wing NSW
David Pocock Flanker WA
Johnathan Salvi LH Prop ACT
Brett Stapleton Wing WA
Lachlan Turner Fullback NSW
Brando Vaaulu Centre QLD
Sam Wykes Lock NSW