Bond University Bull Sharks Premier Rugby star Angus Blyth might need to shout himself an extra coat hanger.
After 59 appearances for Queensland, there’s plenty of maroon jerseys on the rack in his wardrobe, but the latest, a bright yellow Wallabies jumper, will certainly be a welcome addition.
Blyth, a 204cm lock, has been catapulted into the national spotlight with selection in a 38-strong squad ahead of July Test matches against Wales and Georgia.
He was as shocked as he was thrilled to hear his name were read out during last Friday’s squad announcement.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” Blyth said. “I was quite surprised actually.”
“I’ve had a bit of a rough year with injuries, so I haven’t actually played that much rugby this year.”
Despite spending more time on the physiotherapist’s table than the field, Blyth’s potential clearly caught the eyes of national selectors.
It was a similar story when he first ran out at the Canal for Bond University’s Premier Rugby.
Back then his raw talent, size and drive was all the talk among Bull Sharks’ coaching staff, and Queensland selectors took note when they signed the Sydney-raised forward as a 20-year-old.
Blyth’s love for rugby is a family affair – he’s played alongside his younger brother Wilson at Bond University. Both are John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholars.
Blyth will join the national squad in Brisbane, which will serve as the Wallabies’ base for their upcoming campaign.
“We have had other guys flying up from different states because we are going to be based together for the duration,” he said.
“It’s good to be all together, having meetings and getting to know each other.”
While many of the faces are new to national representation, they are not new to each other.
“I obviously know a lot of the Queensland boys, but I’m also really familiar with the other guys from playing against them over the years,” Blyth said.
“This year the squad is a very new group, a lot of younger guys. Guys like me who are fresh.
“There is a lot of talent in the group. It’s been exciting getting to meet the new guys and spend time with the other guys that I have known for a few years too.”
“I have a lot of respect for the guys, and we are all a team now, so we get into that mentality.”
Some squad members are more familiar than others. Alumni and fellow Bond Rugby teammates Zane Nonggorr and James Slipper and Bond alumnus Hamish Stewart have also been included in the squad.
To fulfill his dream of playing for Australia, Blyth will focus on hard work.
“It would be great to make my debut this year for the Wallabies, but I think I just need to focus on the training and supporting the team in any way I can,” he said.
“It’s a bit of a surprise still. I am just happy to be here. I’ll just do whatever I can to give myself the best opportunity to play.”
Blyth’s inclusion in the squad means he will fly regularly between Brisbane and Sydney whether he is playing or not.
“We travel with the team regardless,” Blyth said.
“We have an intense week here in Brisbane, and then we will fly down to Sydney on Sunday to get into the preparation for a game the first game against Wales [on July 6 in Sydney].”
“We have a couple of games down there. Even if I’m not selected, I get to travel and support them anyways, which is pretty cool.”
“I am super thrilled to be part of the squad,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to training hard and pushing myself to not only improve, but also to add to the team in whatever way I can.
“Hopefully I get a few opportunities.”