Chapman and Fava to join Wallaby Spring Tour

Queensland Reds lock Mitchell Chapman and Western Force backrower Scott Fava will fly out tomorrow (Thursday) to join the Wallabies Spring Tour.

Chapman will replace Dan Vickerman who returned home yesterday while Fava will replace Hugh McMeniman who has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour and will return home on Thursday (arriving Friday evening).

Mitchell Chapman played in all 13 of the Reds’ Super 14 matches and every APC match this year, showing his great versatility by playing at lock, blindside flanker and Number 8.

He represented Australia at the IRB U21 World Championship in 2002 and 2003 and captained the Australian Schools in 2001, but considers the call up to the Wallaby squad as his greatest achievement to date.

“I was at home with my flatmates and had my bags packed to go to Japan with the Queensland Reds, but then got the call from (Wallaby Team Manager) Phil Thomson,” Chapman said.

“It took a few minutes to sink in. It is a huge opportunity and honour to join the team and to learn from world-class players.

“I rang my parents straight away, and told my flatmates I was going to be away a little longer than expected.

“My expectations are pretty realistic. It will be great to support the team for the Test matches and hopefully I can get some game time in the midweek matches and show the coaches and selectors what I have to offer.

Scott Fava comes back into the Wallaby squad after playing in three Tri Nations Tests this year. He came on as a replacement in the Bledisloe Cup Test in Christchurch to score his first Test try, then started at Number 8 in the two Tests in Brisbane against South Africa and New Zealand.

Considered unlucky to miss out for selection on the Spring Tour, Fava now gets the chance to add to his five Wallaby Test caps.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the squad. I was disappointed to be left out first time around so this is great news, although I feel a little sorry for Hugh (McMeniman),” Fava said.

“This is a great opportunity and I’ll be doing my best over there to ensure I’m in the fore of the selectors’ thinking in the lead up to the World Cup.”