RUGBYFORUMXIII

Winger Lote Tuqiri is set to become Australia's next dual rugby international after completing a rapid transition from rugby league to Wallaby selection for the Rugby World Cup.

The New South Wales Waratahs flyer has joined fellow convert Wendell Sailor in a 24-man Australian squad to face Ireland in Perth on June 7.

Mat Rogers, who made his rugby debut last year after playing rugby league for his country, was not considered for selection because of a foot injury.

Tuqiri was lured across from rugby league, where he played five Tests in 2001-2002, midway through last year and played his first match for NSW in the Super 12 in late February.

The former Brisbane Bronco has made clear his desire to play in this year's World Cup, and three months later is on target with his inclusion in the Test squad.

National coach Eddie Jones says he sees Tuqiri's future as an outside centre, but he will only be considered on the wing for next month's three Test clashes with Ireland, Wales (Sydney, June 14) and England (Melbourne, June 21).

He will challenge Sailor and Joe Roff for game time, while Chris Latham could also play on the wing if Roff plays at number 15.

"He deserves his spot, he's shown some great skills in the Super 12," Jones said.

Like Sailor, who had no background in rugby before switching codes, Tuqiri still has a lot to learn.

"He acknowledges that," Jones said.

"In my involvement with him so far he seems to be a guy who's prepared to work really hard and I can see him improving quite rapidly."

Set to play his seventh Test next month, Sailor has gone from an outside Wallaby chance to one of the first players picked after this season's Super 12, when he was a standout for the Queensland Reds.

"He continues to improve," Jones said of Sailor.

"He's got all the characteristics of a happy-go-lucky fellow but he's in fact a very studious footballer.

"He would be one of the most improved footballers to come through the Super 12 this season."