Adam Ashley-Cooper’s return to action for the Wallabies is a big step closer after being called into coach Michael Cheika’s Spring Tour train-on squad in Japan.
The 34-year-old veteran of 116 Tests has been included in a 33-man squad training in Odawara this week before the three-Test tour to Europe for clashes with Wales (November 10), Italy (November 17) and England (November 24).
Ashley-Cooper flew in to join the camp on Monday night after being released for the international window by his Japanese club Kobe Steelers.
His chances of a Test return next month appear high after the injuries that ruled out outside backs Reece Hodge and Tevita Kuridrani.
Ashley-Cooper has been negotiating a Super Rugby return to the NSW Waratahs with the goal of playing at a fourth World Cup in Japan next year.
While he has not been picked by Cheika for two years, he is eligible for the Wallabies tour, qualifying under Australia’s so-called Giteau Law for overseas-based players as he has the minimum 60 caps required.
Back with English club Leicester Tigers in recent weeks, Matt Toomua is also joining the camp ahead of the tour.
At the other end of the experience scale, 18-year-old uncapped centre Jordan Petaia is in the train-on squad and could become the third-youngest player to make his debut for the Wallabies if he takes the field on tour.
Petaia is joined by fellow rising star Rob Valetini, 20, who joins the squad as a development player.
The train-on squad will be revised before departing for Wales on Saturday.
Wallabies train-on squad:
Forwards: Jermaine Ainsley, Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Jack Dempsey, Folau Fainga’a, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Scott Sio, Taniela Tupou.
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Jake Gordon, Dane Haylett-Petty, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Sefa Naivalu, Jordan Petaia, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua.
