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Hodge leads Australia A squad in Pacific Nations Cup

Wallabies Reece Hodge and Fraser McReight will represent Australia 'A' next month after being named in the squad to play hosts Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Utility back Hodge and openside flanker McReight were among the more surprising omissions from the Wallabies squad Dave Rennie announced on Sunday for the July test series against England.

Other recent Wallabies included in the 'A' squad were hooker Feleti Kaitu'u, props Tom Robertson and Harry Johnson-Holmes, centre Lalakai Foketi and winger Filipo Daugunu.

Tane Edmed continued his rise after a standout first season as starting flyhalf for the New South Wales Waratahs with his inclusion, while 25-cap forward Ned Hanigan was also called up after returning to Australian rugby from Japan.

"The team has a good combination of experienced and young players and I think the team will get a lot out of the upcoming tournament in Fiji," said 'A' team coach Jason Gilmore.

"Looking at some of the names included in the squad it is apparent that the depth within Australian Rugby continues to grow..."

The Pacific Nations Cup will be played over three weekends from July 2.

Australia A Pacific Nations Cup Squad:

Tim Anstee (Western Force), Jock Campbell (Queensland Reds), Filipo Daugunu (Queensland Reds), Ben Donaldson (NSW Waratahs), Tane Edmed (NSW Waratahs), Matt Faessler (Queensland Reds), Lalakai Foketi (NSW Waratahs), Feao Fotuaika (Queensland Reds), Matt Gibbon (Melbourne Rebels), Langi Gleeson (NSW Waratahs), Ned Hanigan (NSW Waratahs), Will Harris (NSW Waratahs), Reece Hodge (Melbourne Rebels), Harry Hoopert (Queensland Reds), Harry Johnson-Holmes (NSW Waratahs), Feleti Kaitu'u (Western Force), Ryan Lonergan (Brumbies), Ryan McCauley (Western Force), Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds), Andy Muirhead (Brumbies), Mark Nawaqanitawase (NSW Waratahs), Dylan Pietsch (NSW Waratahs), Billy Pollard (Brumbies), Jackson Pugh (Western Force), Tom Robertson (Western Force) Ryan Smith (Queensland Reds), Hamish Stewart (Queensland Reds), Jake Strachan (Western Force), Seru Uru (Queensland Reds).