McGahan wants more Wallabies

Editor

Rebels boss Tony McGahan wants more than captain Scott Higginbotham to win a place in the Wallabies setup in the near future.

Rebels boss Tony McGahan wants more than captain Scott Higginbotham to win a place in the Wallabies setup in the near future.

At present, number eight Higginbotham is the only Australian international in the Melbourne side's squad, after the likes of Stirling Mortlock, James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale moved on in recent years.

McGahan, whose side ended the Force's winning run on Friday, wants to see more of his squad make the Test grade, but admits that will only happen through proper infrastructure and development.

The ex-Australia assistant coach singled out highly-rated second-row Luke Jones as the next potential addition to the international scene.

“We've got one at the moment but that's where we are as a club,” McGahan told Stuff.co.nz.

“The Brumbies, through a very strong on-field and off-field organisation with a really good rugby programme, have shown over the last two years what you can do.

“It's a blueprint for other clubs.

“We want to have a programme to turn young men like Luke (Jones) and other players, Sean McMahon, Nic Stirzaker and Mitch Inman into Wallabies.

“Some of the performances Luke's put in have been first rate and we're delighted that he's now been able to string back-to-back performances together.”