Wallabies Lose Noah Lolesio To Injury Ahead Of Lions Series
Wallabies Lose Noah Lolesio To Injury Ahead Of Lions Series
Australia's Noah Lolesio is out of the British & Irish Lions series after neck surgery, forcing coach Joe Schmidt to find a new starting fly-half.
Australia’s preparations for the highly anticipated British and Irish Lions series have taken a significant hit, with first-choice fly-half Noah Lolesio ruled out after undergoing neck surgery.
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Lolesio was stretchered off the field in a neck brace during Australia’s 32-18 win over Fiji on Sunday, following a head-first collision with the turf during a tackle.
Initially discharged from a Newcastle hospital that night, the 24-year-old was readmitted Monday and underwent surgery later that afternoon.
“After being initially discharged from hospital on Sunday night, Lolesio was readmitted for surgery this afternoon following a further medical follow-up,” Rugby Australia said in a statement. “He is expected to make a full recovery and will spend a period of time away from the game during his rehabilitation.”
Lolesio had become a key figure in coach Joe Schmidt’s plans, starting in 13 of 15 tests since Schmidt took the helm last year.
The former All Blacks boss is set to name his squad for the three-test series against the Lions on Friday.
“Firstly, we were relieved that Noah was up and moving well when he returned to the team hotel after his initial hospital visit,” Schmidt said. “Further to that, it's an added relief for everyone, especially his family, that successful surgery now has him on the road to recovery.”
Though omitted from last year’s World Cup squad by Eddie Jones, Lolesio had reestablished himself under Schmidt and brought solid international experience, having earned 30 caps since his 2020 debut.
With Lolesio sidelined, Schmidt may look to Ben Donaldson, who closed out the final 20 minutes against Fiji, or Tom Lynagh, who was in the matchday squad. However, the Wallabies’ depth at fly-half appears thin.
Veteran James O’Connor, who featured at fly-half in the 2013 Lions series and has shown decent form with the Crusaders in Super Rugby, could be an option.
Alternatively, Schmidt may consider 35-year-old Bernard Foley, who last played for Australia in 2022. The experienced playmaker, dubbed “Iceman” for his clutch goal-kicking, has been playing club rugby in Japan since 2019.
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