Japan fields Australian‑raised lock Harry Hockings against Wallabies

Australian‑born lock Harry Hockings, who developed in Queensland and played for the Junior Wallabies, has become eligible for Japan after completing the five‑year residency requirement while playing for Suntory. He will line up for the Japan national team in Osaka against the Wallabies, joining other Australian‑raised players such as Dylan Riley, Jack Cornelsen and Ben Gunter.

Hockings was a promising talent for the Reds before a contract dispute in 2020 led him to move abroad. Former Wallaby Sean McMahon praised his skill and work‑rate, likening him to All‑Blacks greats. The selection highlights Japan’s growing reliance on foreign‑born players who qualify through residency, a trend also seen in other nations during the recent Nations Championship.