Reds Captain James Horwill has been left out of Australia's 39 men training squad for the June Tests.
His absence will force the Wallabies to name a new captain when they face Scotland on June 5 before the first of three Tests against Six Nations champion Wales on successive weekends from June 9.
Meanwhile the Reds are on a bye this week and five points behind Australian conference leader Brumbies that are on 45 points.
The bye means the Reds are guaranteed 4points to close in on the Brumbies who in turn will have to win to avoid having their buffer cut to just a single point.
On Friday night the Brumbies travel to face the Rebels at 9.40 but before that the Crusaders host the Highlanders at 7.35pm.
Story by: William Waqavakatoga
