Rugby-Wallabies release Tupou for Waratahs clash with Lions

Rugby Union - Autumn Internationals - Ireland v Australia - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - November 30, 2024 Australia's Taniela Tupou in action with Ireland's Bundee Aki REUTERS/Lorraine O'sullivan

MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Australia prop Taniela Tupou has been released from the Wallabies squad to join the New South Wales Waratahs for their tour match against the British & Irish Lions on Saturday, leaving his hopes of featuring in the test series up in the air.

The move means Tupou will not be selected for Sunday's test in Newcastle against Fiji, the Wallabies' last warmup before they face the Lions in the series-opener in Brisbane on July 19.