2 months ago
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Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio is agonisingly expected to miss the entirety of the British and Irish Lions tour after undergoing surgery on an injury he sustained during Australia's narrow victory against Fiji.
The former Brumbies star was removed from the field on a stretcher while wearing a neck brace during the 21-18 win at the McDonald Jones Stadium, with what had appeared to be a whiplash injury.
His head had appeared to collide with the ground after attempting to make a tackle.
The 25-year-old playmaker had initially been discharged from hospital on Monday but returned to undergo surgery on Tuesday afternoon, following a medical follow-up.
The news comes as a huge blow for Joe Schmidt's side, with Rugby Australia confirming that the versatile half, who had been in the running for a test start against the Lions, will now 'spend a period of time away from the game during his rehabilitation.'
'Firstly, we were relieved that Noah was up and moving well when he returned to the team hotel after his initial hospital visit in Newcastle on Sunday,' head coach, Schmidt, said.
Noah Lolesio (centre) is expected to be ruled out of selection for the British and Irish Lions tour Down Under, in what is a huge blow for Joe Schmidt's Wallabies side
Lolesio was removed from the field during Australia's narrow win against Fiji this weekend on a stretcher, wearing a neck brace
The Brumbies fly-half appeared to suffer a whiplash injury during the match, banging his head on the floor
'Further to that, it’s an added relief for everyone, especially his family, that successful surgery now has him on the road to recovery.'
Rugby Australia added that they would continue to support Lolesio throughout his rehabilitation.
Lolesio made his debut for the Wallabies back in 2020, and has since won 23 caps, scoring 164 points for his national side.
The fly-half, recently signed a short-term deal to play for an unnamed club in Japan next season, started in all four of Australia's Autumn internationals last year, notably orchestrating Australia's huge victory against England at Twickenham.
It came just as Lions assistant coach Johnny Sexton had been asked for his take on the Wallabies players the tourists were keeping a close eye on.
He singled out Schmidt's three options at fly-half, Tom Lynagh, Ben Donaldson and Lolesio.
'I think Lynagh has been excellent all year. I think Donaldson did really well when he came on. I think they're both quality players,' Sexton said.
'But obviously Lolesio's their number one based on their last, whatever, 10 games. He played the majority of the big games under Joe (Schmidt), so he'll know Joe's way. So he'll be a loss for them.'
More to follow...
