From Bunnings to France: Wallaby Fraser McReight on 'special' call

Wallaby Fraser McReight was walking through the hardware store Bunnings when his phone rang last week. Waiting on the other end was team manager Chris Webb.

Looking to buy some paint, McReight entered the iconic Australian hardware store with a World Cup dream - and the call could've come at any moment. The flanker “just wanted to find out.”

McReight answered the call from Webb, and was told that he’d made coach Eddie Jones’ 33-man Wallabies squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.

It’s a youthful Wallabies squad, with 25 players – including McReight – set to experience the biggest stage in rugby union for the first time.

“It was pretty special. I was actually at Bunnings getting some paint and then got a call from Webby saying I was on the flight,” McReight told reporters on Wednesday.

“Obviously there was a lot of nerves and anxiety that day not knowing what’s going to happen, just wanted to find out.

“The first thing I did was text the family group chat and just said, ‘Yeah, I’m going.’ They’re all super excited, came over that night and we had a glass of champagne to celebrate.”

That phone call was just the start of an incredible few months ahead for McReight and his international teammates.

The opportunity to play at a Rugby World Cup is the result of years of hard work and sacrifice. These players will realise a lifelong dream in France, and that phone call was just the start.

“It was pretty special last night. We got a new World Cup outfit and going through that was like Christmas,” McReight added.

“Obviously had to get through today, this morning, a tough session. Once we got through that, it’s pretty feet-up form here and pretty excited.”

McReight, 24, is set to play a key role for the Wallabies at the World Cup and beyond with former Australian captain Michael Hooper missing out on selection.

Hooper picked up a calf injury in the leadup to the Wallabies’ clash with Argentina in Sydney last month, and has failed to overcome the annoyance in time.

“I didn’t find out till the next morning, afternoon.

“Obviously there were a lot of surprises there as well.

“I was shocked, sad to see he’s not there.

“He messaged me this morning and said, ‘Go well mate.’ I’ve had a few messages back and forth with him over the past few weeks.

“We keep in touch.”

The Wallabies fly out to France from Sydney International Airport on Thursday afternoon. They’ll face Les Bleus in their final Test before next month’s tournament opener against Georgia.