Carter Gordon has been recalled to the Wallabies squad for next month’s tour of Japan and Europe, with coach Joe Schmidt bolstering Australia’s depleted playmaking stocks.

The 24-year-old flyhalf, who briefly switched to rugby league following the 2023 World Cup, was drafted back into the national setup just days after being released by the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans and rejoining the Reds.

Carter returns through to the end of ‘28⚡️#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/NL4CO4iRi2

— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 13, 2025

Former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross and uncapped scrumhalf Kalani Thomas are the new faces in a 34-man group that will face Japan, England, Italy, Ireland and France.

“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,” Schmidt said.

The Wallabies will, however, be without key backs Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio and Tom Wright, who all miss the tour through injury. Promising playmaker Tom Lynagh has also been sidelined to continue his recovery from a frustrating, injury-hit 2025 season.

Winger Dylan Pietsch returns after recovering from a fractured jaw, while outside back Andrew Kellaway is fit again following a calf strain that ruled him out of the recent Bledisloe Cup clashes.

O’CONNOR: I had to change my game

Overseas-based veterans such as James O’Connor and Will Skelton were not included, but Schmidt hinted they could yet feature later in the tour.

“There are a few players who have featured during recent Test matches that are currently involved in competitions in Europe,” the Wallabies coach explained.

“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.”

Australia will open their five-match tour against Japan in Tokyo on 25 October, before heading to Europe for Tests against England, Italy, Ireland and France.

Wallabies 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 Suaalii, Kalani Thomas, Corey Toole.

End of year squad confirmed 🔒

First stop 📍 Tokyo, Japan.

Read more – https://t.co/qObemsg5Lm#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/pECQSMuyhd

— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 13, 2025

Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images