Publications
Partners
Sydney - Three indigenous players will create a rugby milestone when they turn out for the Wallabies against New Zealand this weekend, the Australian Rugby Union said on Friday.
Fullback Kurtley Beale, centre Anthony Faingaa and his twin brother, hooker Saia Faingaa, have been named in the starting 15 for the Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks in Christchurch on Saturday.
A fourth indigenous player, flanker Matt Hodgson, has been selected among the reserves.
It will be a record indigenous representation in an Australian national rugby team.
The three Ella brothers - twins Mark and Glen, and their younger sibling Gary - all played at international level in the 1980s, along with former schoolmate Lloyd Walker, but only two of the quartet ever played together in the same Test, the ARU said.
"This is a first," Gary Ella said in a statement.
"It's a great achievement for the individuals involved and it's a great achievement for aboriginal people who will be watching this Test with great interest.
"To have three players with indigenous heritage in the starting team, four in the squad, and an aboriginal in Jim Williams on the coaching staff, it's big news.
"I know the Ella family is very excited, and so is Lloyd McDermott, the first Aboriginal Test player, who has also been a driving force behind the development of young aboriginal rugby players."
Anthony Faingaa, starting a Test for the first time against the All Blacks, said he was proud to be involved in the milestone achievement for Australia's indigenous community.
"Saia and I are proud of our aboriginal bloodline on mum's side of the family," he said.
"We're also humbled to know the Ella brothers have taken time out to wish us the best for this Test, which means so much not only to us but our family."
