Noah Lolesio has been ruled out of the upcoming British and Irish Lions series following neck surgery due to a whiplash injury sustained during the Wallabies’ win over Fiji. The flyhalf was taken off the field in a medicab during the second half of the match and was subsequently admitted to Newcastle Hospital. While he was released that evening without significant injury, further assessments revealed the need for surgery, which was conducted after consulting a specialist in Brisbane.
On Tuesday, the 25-year-old underwent a spinal fusion procedure and is expected to be sidelined for an extended recovery period. Both Rugby Australia and the Wallabies confirmed that the surgery was successful and expressed optimism regarding Lolesio’s full recovery. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt shared relief that Lolesio was moving well after his initial hospitalisation and that his family was assured by the positive outcome of the surgery.
This injury adds to the challenges facing Schmidt as he firms up selections for the Tests against the Lions. Interestingly, it opens the door for experienced players like James O’Connor and Bernard Foley, both of whom have had strong performances in their respective club seasons in New Zealand and Japan. The official Wallabies squad for the Lions series will be announced on Friday.