Sid named in Australian under-20s squad for South Africa tour

By Nathan Williamson (rugby.com.au)

Australia under-20s head coach Chris Whitaker recently named a 31-man squad for next month’s The Rugby Championship Under-20 tournament in South Africa.

Sevens breakout star Sid Harvey is among the new faces in the group from the team that thumped Japan under-23s in Coffs Harbour, which included fellow Narrabri boy Joey Fowler.

Harvey has been a mainstay of the Aussie sevens team under Liam Barry but is set to miss selection for the final in Los Angeles.

“I let the 20s know early that I was available for selection and wanted to play 20s,” Harvey told Rugby.com.au in March

“I think everyone’s end goal, certainly mine, is to play for the Wallabies, and sevens is providing me so much learning and helping with my 15s game.

“I’ve been talking with Chris (Whitaker), who was at Tahs when I was there at the academy, and we have a good relationship. He’s been in contact with me, Hadley (Tonga) and Aden about where we’re at.”

The squad will assemble in Perth this week before leaving for Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) on Friday. They will begin their campaign against New Zealand on May 1 before facing South Africa on May 7 and then Argentina on May 11.

That will be their final hit-outs before the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy in June.

“We have a talented group of players who are eager to learn and are excited by the opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage,” Whitaker said.

“For many of them, this will be their first time managing the challenge of international travel and five-day turnarounds, combined with three tough, physical games.

“TRC U20 is about consolidating and adding layers to what we started together in Coffs Harbour last week, as we continue to build up to the World Rugby U20 Championship.”

The Aussie selections continue a memorable journey for Narrabri boys Joey and Sid, who have previously played together at both club and state level.

Last year in September they teamed up for the first time in more than six years when they lined up for the NSW Waratahs’ under-19s side in the 2024 Super Rugby Under-19 Tournament.

They enjoyed playing alongside one another for the first time since they helped Narrabri Junior Rugby Club’s under-14s side secure the 2018 NWRYR premiership with a 28-15 win against Armidale at Ken Chillingworth Oval just over six years ago at the time.

The next step in that journey will see them pull on the green and gold for Australia early next month.