Wallabies Spring Tour squad: One-game Titan Carter Gordon rushed back into Australian rugby squad

The five-eighth has been parachuted into Australia’s 34-man squad for their five-game spring tour, with Tom Lynagh left out of the team to manage an injury and Ben Donaldson dropped to the Australia A squad.

Rugby Australia paid the Titans a reported $100,000 release fee to secure the return of Gordon, who was part of the Wallabies’ 2023 World Cup campaign before defecting to rugby league.

The Wallabies have struggled to lock in a No.10 this year, using Noah Lolesio, Lynagh, Donaldson, James O’Connor and Tane Edmed throughout 2025 with mixed results.

O’Connor, who has now joined English club Leicester Tigers, won’t be available for the first two games against Japan and England because they fall outside World Rugby’s regulation nine window.

Without Lynagh and Donaldson, Gordon will compete with Edmed for the starting five-eighth position for the game against Japan on October 25.

It would be a remarkable story for Gordon to face Eddie Jones’ Japan in Tokyo, having been his No.1 five-eighth for the World Cup, only to be dropped during the tournament before the Wallabies were bundled out in the pool stage.

Gordon, 24, has signed a deal with RA and Queensland Reds through to the end of 2028.

“I’m stoked to return to the game I grew up playing and loving as a kid, especially with the opportunity to represent the team I grew up supporting, the Queensland Reds,” Gordon said

“I’ve watched both Queensland and the Wallabies from afar over the past year or so, and the journey they’re on motivates me to want to work hard and contribute positively on and off the field.

“I’d also like to thank the Gold Coast Titans for the opportunity to grow as a player and person at their club and for all their support for me and my family over the past 16 months. I wish the players and the staff all the best for what’s ahead.”

RA chief executive Phil Waugh said: “We are pleased Carter is returning to rugby after excelling as a junior with Sunshine Coast Grammar, Brisbane Boys’ College and Wests in Brisbane before taking the step up to Super Rugby and Test arena at a young age.

“Carter’s signing will ensure additional healthy competition at the Reds and the Wallabies and provides him with a two-year runway to make his case for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“Rugby Australia has taken a strategic approach to player contracting this World Cup cycle and we are delighted to bring Carter back into the system.”

Meanwhile, one-Test All Black Aidan Ross has been picked in the squad, covering the loosehead prop position vacated by the retired James Slipper.

And with Tate McDermott injured and Nic White retired, uncapped Queenslander Kalani Thomas will be the third-choice halfback on tour behind Jake Gordon and Ryan Lonergan.

Western Force flyer Dylan Pietsch returns to the group after a period on the sideline recovering from a fractured jaw, while fellow outside back Andrew Kellaway is also selected after a hamstring strain ruled him out of the latest two Wallabies Tests against New Zealand.

Australia A squad members Matt Faessler Josh Canham, Pete Samu and Hamish Stewart have also been named and will link up with the Wallabies in Tokyo after the match against Japan XV in Osaka on October 18.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: “The squad and staff have had a brief chance to catch their breath after what has been a dense and attritional Test season so far.

“The challenge certainly doesn’t get any easier with five consecutive Tests on the road against high-quality international opposition but, in saying that, I think the squad will relish the challenge and players will work hard to be as competitive as possible.

“Both Aidan Ross and Kalani Thomas have had a bit of time with us and Carter Gordon will get the opportunity to integrate back into the Wallabies environment. The three players are fully fit and eager to be involved.

“We’ve taken a long-term view with Tom Lynagh, who is still just 22-years-old. He has had a few injury frustrations since the third test versus the Lions in early August and will follow an individualised program, guided by both Wallabies and Queensland staff, which will allow him to recover to full fitness.

“There are a few players who have featured during recent Test matches, that are currently involved in competitions in Europe. Given the intensity of our Tour schedule, we may look to bolster our playing stocks by including some of these players during the World Rugby Regulation 9 window.”

WALLABIES SPRING TOUR SQUAD

FORWARDS

Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Josh Canham, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Tom Robertson, Aidan Ross, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Pete Samu, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson

BACKS

Filipo Daugunu, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Carter Gordon, Jake Gordon, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Ryan Lonergan, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Corey Toole