Wallaby James O'Connor is one of nine players with Super 14 experience named in Australia's squad for next month's under-20 World Cup in Japan.

O'Connor will join Force teammates Ben Whittaker and Dane Haylett-Petty in the squad, along with Waratahs trio Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne and Damian Fitzpatrick, Reds winger Rod Davies and Brumbies pair Matt Toomua and Afusipa Taumoepeau.

Australian coach David Nucifora said his team needs to improve on their fifth placed finish in last year's inaugural under-20 World Cup, won by New Zealand.

"Certainly last year's finishing position was a little disappointing," Nucifora said.

"While that team didn't have a lot of luck during its loss to England, we'll be aiming to push our way further up the tournament rankings."

Australia will begin their tournament against Canada on June 5 in Fukuoka, with further pool matches against Tonga and Wales.

The 26-man squad will assemble in Canberra on May 21.

Australia squad: Albert Anae (QLD), Kurtley Beale (NSW), Corey Brown (NSW), Nathan Charles (ACT), Rod Davies (QLD), Kane Douglas (NSW), Damian Fitzpatrick (NSW), Talalelei Gray (ACT), Dane Haylett-Petty (WA), Rob Horne (NSW), Richard Kingi (QLD), Kesomi Lolotonga (ACT), Sam Latunipulu (NSW), David McDuling (NSW), Tom Murday (QLD), James O'Connor (WA), Jake Shatz (QLD), Andrew Shaw (QLD), Rob Simmons (QLD), James Slipper (QLD), Mark Swanepoel (WA), Afusipa Taumoepeau (ACT), Ben Tapuai (QLD), Matt Toomua (ACT), Nicholas White (ACT), Ben Whittaker (WA).

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP