In a remarkable turn of events, rising Queensland Reds star Massimo De Lutiis has earned a surprise call-up to the Wallabies’ upcoming training camp. The uncapped rookie is the sole fresh face in coach Joe Schmidt’s squad, marking a significant milestone in the young player’s burgeoning career.
De Lutiis, who has been turning heads with his performances for the Reds, will join the Wallabies for a three-day camp in Sydney starting January 8th. The camp serves as a crucial opportunity for players to impress selectors and stake their claim for a spot in the national team ahead of the 2025 season.
A Rising Star Emerges
While De Lutiis may be a new name to some fans, those who have been following his meteoric rise through the ranks will not be surprised by his inclusion. The dynamic young player has been a standout performer for the Reds, showcasing his immense potential and raw talent.
De Lutiis first caught the eye of national selectors in October, when he was invited to participate in a training hub alongside Reds and Force players. His impressive showing there earned him a spot in the Australia A squad for their end-of-year tour, where he featured in a match against England A.
Schmidt’s Vote of Confidence
Coach Joe Schmidt’s decision to include De Lutiis in the training camp is a clear indication of the faith he has in the young player’s abilities. In a statement, Schmidt highlighted the importance of the camp in preparing for the challenges ahead.
“These two and a half days provide a final opportunity to look back at the 2024 season, particularly our Tests in November, then have a quick glance at the program for 2025,”
– Joe Schmidt, Wallabies Head Coach
Schmidt also expressed his excitement at seeing players returning from injury and the strong performances of the Australia XV team. This bodes well for the depth and competitiveness of the Wallabies squad as they look to build towards the 2025 season.
A Chance to Shine
For De Lutiis, the training camp represents an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced Wallabies players and coaches. It also provides a platform for him to showcase his skills and prove that he belongs at the highest level of the game.
The camp will include medical and physical testing, giving the coaching staff a chance to assess each player’s fitness and readiness for the rigors of international rugby. De Lutiis will no doubt be eager to impress in these assessments and demonstrate his commitment to the Wallabies jersey.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Wallabies as they look to build on their performances from the previous year. The inclusion of exciting young talents like Massimo De Lutiis in the training squad suggests that the future is bright for Australian rugby.
For now, De Lutiis will be focused on making the most of his opportunity at the training camp and pushing for selection in the Wallabies squad. If he can continue his rapid development and showcase his immense potential, there is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him in the green and gold.
As fans eagerly await the start of the new season, the emergence of rising stars like Massimo De Lutiis adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, the Wallabies will be looking to make their mark on the international stage and bring pride to Australian rugby supporters around the world.
