RaboDirect Rebels pair Cadeyrn Neville and Mitch Inman have been drafted into the Qantas Wallabies squad for the remainder of the current Spring Tour of France, England, Italy and Wales.
Injury and suspension has opened the door for Neville and Inman to potentially make their Wallabies debuts with two games of the Tour remaining.
RaboDirect Rebels Head Coach Damien Hill is delighted for the pair, and knows first hand how hard they’ve been training to get the call-up to the national squad.
“It’s a fantastic achievement and a great acknowledgement of their hard work and their performances during the 2012 season,” said Hill.
“The team got together before training yesterday to let the group know of Mitch and Cadeyrn’s call-ups, and the boys were able to congratulate them there and then."
Towering Centre Inman almost didn’t receive his call-up after ignoring the early morning phone calls from national team manager Bob Egerton.
“I had a few missed calls as I was sleeping this morning at around 7.00am, and I didn’t think much of it,” said Inman.
“The Wallabies manager sent me a text saying call me ASAP, it’s important, but I still had no idea I’d be joining the team for the rest of the Spring Tour.
“But now that I’m heading over I’m really excited. I set myself some goals and now they’re starting to pay off.
“My goal was to make the Wallabies squad in June or July next year, but the call has come a lot sooner than expected. So now I’ll put my best foot forward and try and win my first Test cap in the next couple of weeks.”
Having already toured with the Wallabies after a call-up for the recent trip to Argentina, Neville has taken his latest selection in his stride like a seasoned pro.
“I got a bit of a heads up on Friday that there was a good chance of going over, then it was confirmed yesterday morning,” said Neville.
“I’m pretty excited, but at the same time relaxed about these things. Once you’re in the setup you need to be ready to go at any time.
“I went to Rebels training after the call, had a good session, then went back home to pack my bags.
“There were a few handshakes around the room from the boys which was great. But I didn’t know Mitch had also received the call-up so it was great to get that news at the same time.”
The Qantas Wallabies defeated England 20-14 at Twickenham this morning in the second of their four-game Tour.
Next Sunday morning they face Italy in Florence, before wrapping up the Tour with a clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.