Rugby News: Winger Lote Tuqiri is set to become Australia's next dual rugby international after completing a rapid transition from rugby league to Wallaby selection in Rugby World Cup year.
The New South Wales Waratahs flyer joined fellow convert Wendell Sailor in a 24-man Australian squad to face Ireland in Perth on June 7th.
Tuqiri was lured from rugby league, where he played five Tests in 2001-2002, midway through last year and played his first match for NSW in the Super 12 in February.
The former Brisbane Bronco made clear his desire to play in this year's World Cup, and three months later is on target with his inclusion in the Test squad.
Australia coach Eddie Jones said he saw Tuqiri's future at outside centre, but he would only be considered on the wing for next month's three Test clashes with Ireland, Wales (Sydney, June 14th) and England (Melbourne, June 21st).
He will challenge Sailor and Joe Roff for game time, while Chris Latham could also play on the wing if Roff plays at full back.
"He deserves his spot, he's shown some great skills in the Super 12," Jones said.
AUSTRALIA: Backs: Chris Latham (Queensland Reds), Joe Roff (ACT Brumbies), Wendell Sailor (Qld Reds), Lote Tuqiri (NSW Waratahs), Steve Kefu (Qld Reds), Morgan Turinui (NSW Waratahs), Nathan Grey (NSW Waratahs), Elton Flatley (Qld Reds), Chris Whitaker (NSW Waratahs), George Gregan (ACT Brumbies/ captain). Forwards: Bill Young (ACT Brumbies), Ben Darwin (ACT Brumbies), Patricio Noriega (NSW Waratahs), Glenn Panoho (Qld Reds), Brendan Cannon (NSW Waratahs), Jeremy Paul (ACT Brumbies), Dan Vickerman (ACT Brumbies), David Giffin (ACT Brumbies), Nathan Sharpe (Qld Reds), George Smith (ACT Brumbies), Phil Waugh (NSW Waratahs), Toutai Kefu (Qld Reds), Scott Fava (ACT Brumbies), David Lyons (NSW Waratahs).
NEW ZEALAND: All Blacks coach John Mitchell was downcast at the ongoing injury woes that have ruled superstar wing Jonah Lomu out of rugby.
Lomu was one the big names omitted from the New Zealand squad named yesterday to face England, Wales and France, although his omission was not surprising as in April he dropped out of Super 12s suffering a flare-up of his chronic kidney problem.
Speaking on Television New Zealand Mitchell was gloomy over the fate of Lomu. "At this moment he is making progress on his illness, but he is not at a stage where he is fit for this level of rugby," Mitchell said. "It's sad that this is what has happened to him . . . It must be a terribly frustrating time for him now."
All Black greats Christian Cullen and Andrew Mehrtens were excluded from the 26-man squad for next month's home Tests but were told the door back was still open.
NEW ZEALAND: Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Malili Muliaina (Auckland), Doug Howlett (Auckland), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Caleb Ralph (Canterbury), Maa Nonu (Wellington), Tana Umaga (Wellington), Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Carlos Spencer (Auckland), Steve Devine (Auckland), Justin Marshall (Canterbury), Rodney Sooialo (Wellington), Richard McCaw (Canterbury), Marty Holah (Waikato), Reuben Thorne (Canterbury, captain), Jerry Collins (Wellington), Ali Williams (Auckland), Chris Jack (Canterbury), Brad Thorn (Canterbury), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Kees Meeuws (Auckland), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Anton Oliver (Otago), Carl Hoeft (Otago), Dave Hewett (Canterbury).
FRANCE: Christian Califano has turned his back on international rugby for France after 68 Tests. The 31-year-old prop, recalled by the French selectors for this season's Six Nations championship after a two-year break, has left English club Saracens to play for Agen next season.
ENGLAND: Danny Grewcock will miss the New Zealand leg of England's tour after being sent off in the European Challenge Cup final. The Bath captain was red carded for punching Wasps skipper and England team-mate Lawrence Dallaglio in Bath's 48-30 defeat.
BARBARIANS: Former Munster and Ireland skipper Mick Galwey will lead the Barbarians against Scotland at Murrayfield tomorrow night.
The Barbarians move on to Wales later in the week to prepare for their game at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
