Aidan Ross: From All Blacks to Wallabies Debut

Aidan Ross to Make Historic Switch, Debuts for Wallabies Against Japan

A remarkable career turn sees Aidan Ross poised to represent Australia this Saturday in Tokyo, having previously played for the All Blacks – a rare feat in the world of international rugby. Fans can catch the action live on Disney+ Premium Plan.

Aidan Ross’s journey to this moment is a testament to perseverance and a unique set of circumstances. Born in Sydney,the prop forward embarked on his professional rugby career in New Zealand in 2015,joining Bay of Plenty. That same year, he was a key member of the New Zealand M20 team that secured victory at the World Cup in Italy.

Ross quickly ascended through the ranks, making his Super Rugby debut with the Chiefs in 2017. He became a cornerstone of the Waikato franchise, eventually becoming the first pillar and 13th player to reach a milestone 100 games for the team in 2025. His talent earned him a call-up to the international stage in 2022,when he debuted for the All Blacks against Ireland in Dunedin. However, he struggled to cement a regular place in the New Zealand squad.

Did you know? – Aidan Ross is not the first player to switch allegiances between New Zealand and Australia, but it remains exceptionally uncommon at the international level due to eligibility rules.

following the conclusion of his time with the Chiefs in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific final, Ross signed a three-year contract with the Queensland Reds, returning to his country of origin. After fulfilling the three-year residency requirement stipulated by World Rugby,he was initially considered for selection before a test match against the British & Irish Lions. Now, the wait is over, and Ross will finally pull on the gold jersey of the Wallabies against Japan.

Team Lineups for Saturday’s Test Match

Here are the confirmed starting lineups for both Japan and Australia:

Japan: 15. Kenta Kobayashi, 14. Hayate Era, 13. Shuhei Takeuchi, 12. Jack Cornelsen, 11. Warner Dearns, 10.Ben Gunter, 9. Kanji Shimokawa, 8. Michael Leitch,7. Shinobu Fujiwara, 6. Lee Seung-sin, 5. Tomoki Osada, 4. Shogo Nakano, 3. Dylan Riley, 2. Kippei Ishida, 1. Yoshitaka Yazaki.
Replacements: 16.Kenji Sato, 17. Ryosuke Iwaihara, 18. Keijiro Tamefusa, 19.Tyler Paul, 20. Tiennan Costley,21. Kenta Fukuda, 22. Charlie Lawr, 23. sam Grene.

Australia: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Josh Nasser, 3. Josh Noghorr, 4.Valute-Loto, 5. Jerem Tiliam, 6. Andrew Flace, 7. Andrew, 8. Corey Toole, 9. Josh Flook.
Replacements: 16. Billy Pollard, 17.Aidan Ross, 18.Tom Robertson, 19. Josh canham, 20. harry Wilson, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Hamish Stewart, 23. Filipo Daugunu.

Pro tip: – World Rugby’s residency rules allow players to represent a new nation after living there for three years, opening opportunities for players seeking international careers.

Ross is listed among the substitutes for the Wallabies, poised to make his debut off the bench. This marks a significant moment not only for the player but also for the landscape of international rugby, showcasing the increasingly global nature of the sport.