Quade Cooper has been left out of Australia’s initial 25 man squad to face the Lions this summer, although he has hope of playing his way into the squad before the first test.

Robbie Deans, Australia head coach, has made it clear to Cooper, and others, that the current squad is not his finalised group.  "Today is not the end of it for players who haven't been named," Deans said.

"There are six more places to be filled in the squad while every Super Rugby player in Australia will have the opportunity to play international rugby against the Lions during the tour matches, as will the country representative players. It's an exciting time."

Robbie Deans has picked three uncapped players in his squad, including uncapped Israel Folau. Folau continues his stunning rise in rugby union, as he makes the squad on the back of just 12 appearances for Super 15 side Waratahs, following his switch from Australian Rules football at the beginning of the season.

Quade Cooper infamously tweeted harsh criticisms of Deans and the, what he called, “toxic environment” within the Australian camp. Cooper received a record fine of $60,000 for his comments.

Preliminary Australia 25-man squad

Ben Alexander, Berrick Barnes, Nick Cummins, Dave Dennis, Saia Fainga'a, Israel Folau, Will Genia, Liam Gill, Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, James Horwill, Digby Ioane, Sekope Kepu, Christian Lealiifano, Stephen Moore, Ben Mowen, James O'Connor, Wycliff Palu, Benn Robinson, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Sitaleki Timani, Joe Tomane.