James O’Connor is set to miss out on facing the British and Irish Lions after being left out of the Australia squad to face Fiji.
The 34-year-old fly-half had been tipped to return to Joe Schmidt’s squad for the Lions series, which begins on July 19 in Brisbane.
Schmidt has preferred Ben Donaldson, Noah Lolesio and Tom Lynagh as his options at number 10 for the warm-up Test against Fiji on July 6.
Western Force back-row forward Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies winger Corey Toole are the only two uncapped players in the 36-man squad.
David Porecki returns for the first time since captaining the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup, while another former skipper, La Rochelle’s Will Skelton, is the only overseas-based player included.
Schmidt said: “Selection is always tight and there’ll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed.
“As coaches, there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we’ve selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad.
“There’s some continuity from last year, plus a few new or returning players, who have forced their way into the mix through strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific.
“This squad’s immediate focus is Fiji, and we will need to hit the ground running having not been together since early January.”
— Wallabies (@wallabies) June 19, 2025
Australia squad for Fiji Test
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa (ACT Brumbies), Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs), Nick Champion De Crespigny (Western Force), Matt Faessler (Queensland Reds), Nick Frost (ACT Brumbies), Langi Gleeson (NSW Waratahs), Tom Hooper (ACT Brumbies), Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds), Zane Nonggorr (Queensland Reds), Billy Pollard (ACT Brumbies), David Porecki (NSW Waratahs), Tom Robertson (Western Force), Will Skelton (Stade Rochelais), James Slipper (ACT Brumbies), Darcy Swain (Western Force), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force), Taniela Tupou (NSW Waratahs), Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies), Jeremy Williams (Western Force), Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds)
Backs: Filipo Daugunu (Queensland Reds), Ben Donaldson (Western Force), Jake Gordon (NSW Waratahs), Len Ikitau (ACT Brumbies), Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs), Andrew Kellaway (NSW Waratahs), Noah Lolesio (ACT Brumbies), Tom Lynagh (Queensland Reds), Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds), Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds), Dylan Pietsch (Western Force), Harry Potter (Western Force), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs), Corey Toole (ACT Brumbies), Nic White (Western Force), Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies)