Noah Lolesio, the standout player for the ACT Brumbies, was carried off the field on a stretcher during a tense Super Rugby Pacific match against the Western Force at HBF Park, raising serious concerns about his health. The incident occurred when Lolesio was involved in a ruck, where he was uncomfortably trapped under several Force players as he attempted to support teammate Tom Wright.
Commentator Cameron Shepherd expressed deep concern about Lolesio’s condition, stating, “There’s a huge amount of concern.” Amidst the uncertainty, there was a glimmer of hope: Lolesio was moving his arms and legs, but it has been confirmed that he suffered a spinal injury. As assessments continue, Shepherd cautioned against speculation about the injury’s severity, emphasising that while his movement is encouraging, a thorough evaluation is needed.
Lolesio, who has made a name for himself as the current Wallabies playmaker, has already agreed to play club rugby in Japan next year, further adding to the gravity of his situation. The broader implications of his injury on Australian rugby were echoed by former Wallabies player Tim Horan, who questioned whether this injury might end Lolesio’s season prematurely.
In the same match, Declan Meredith came on to replace Lolesio. The injury occurred shortly after another Wallabies player, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, also faced a serious incident, being stretchered off after receiving a knee to the head during a game against the NSW Waratahs. Fortunately, Suaalii was diagnosed with a category one concussion but was cleared of significant injury.
At half-time, the Brumbies held a narrow lead of 14-7, thanks to tries from Len Ikitau and Corey Toole, countering a single try from Force flanker Kane Koteka, who had stepped in to replace injured Wallabies player Carlo Tizzano.
As the situation unfolds, the rugby community remains hopeful for Lolesio’s recovery while acknowledging the potential impact of his injury on the upcoming matches and the future of Australian rugby.