Tahs' Wallabies trickle in

Published: Tuesday, 10. January, 2012 in category Super Rugby

The Waratahs, like most teams, resumed pre-season training this week, but their international players are only returning in a trickle.

Wallabies Rob Horne and Lachie Turner rejoined the Waratahs squad Tuesday.

Tatafu Polota-Nau, Berrick Barnes and Adam Ashley-Cooper will return to training next Monday, January 16.

The arrival of Sitaleki Timani, following next month's completion of the Japanese club season, will complete the 35-man squad.

A number of players are on restricted training due to injury/rehabilitation.

They include Wycliff Palu (hamstring), Benn Robinson (knee), Rocky Elsom (hamstring/shoulder), Drew Mitchell (ankle), Dan Vickerman (shoulder, unlikely to be in consideration for start of season).

Sekope Kepu is now back to full training.

The Waratahs will play two pre-season trial matches in preparation for the opening match of the 2012 Super Rugby tournament, when they against the Queensland Reds at ANZ Stadium on Saturday February 25.

Their first pre-season trial is when the Tahs face Samoa at Scully Park (Tamworth) on Friday, February 10.

The second outing before the tournament proper is when they take on Tonga at the Sydney Football Stadium, with details to be confirmed.

A captaincy announcement will also be made in early February.