Koroibete headlines Wallabies trio named for AUNZ squad

Thu, Jul 3, 2025, 1:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Taniela Tupou has produced a freak pass to set up Marika Koroibete

The AUNZ Invitational XV has received a trio of big-name additions, with Marika Koroibete, Pete Samu, and Brandon Paenga-Amosa joining the program.

The trio have over 100 Test caps for Australia combined and add to the six Kiwis already announced for the July 12 tour match against the British & Irish Lions in Adelaide.

Final tickets still available! Get your tickets for the British & Irish Lions tour here

Koroibete headlines the list with a pair of John Eales Medals to his name, established as one of the best wingers in the modern era for the Wallabies.

The 32-year-old has scored 20 tries for the Wallabies since his debut in 2017, currently plying his trade in Japan with Panasonic Wild Knights.

He was crowned Australia’s best player in 2019 and 2022, becoming the first winger to claim the award.

Meanwhile, Samu returns to Australian Rugby after a stint with French powerhouse Bordeaux.

The former Brumby has signed with the NSW Waratahs ahead of the 2026 season and made his debut for the Wallabies in 2018.

He most recently started in Bordeaux’s Top 14 Final defeat to Toulouse, whilst earlier in the year, he scored a crucial try to help the club to their first ever Champions Cup Final.

Paenga-Amosa rounds out the last following his excellent start for the Western Force against the Lions last week.

The hooker was a regular in the Test set-up in 2024, starting the final two games of the Spring Tour against Scotland and Ireland.

The announcement comes with Kiwis David Havili, Shannon Frizell, Ngani Laumape, Folau Fakatava, Joshua Fusitu’a and Shaun Stevenson already confirmed for the match.

It will be the first time a combined Australia-New Zealand team faces the Lions since 1989, with Reds and incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss set to coach the team.

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