Brumbies issue update on Wallabies star’s injury after frightening incident ahead of Lions series
Brumbies fly-half Noah Lolesio and an inset of Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt.
The ACT Brumbies have issued a positive update on Wallabies pivot Noah Lolesio following the concerning scenes during the Super Rugby Pacific match against the Western Force.
Lolesio was stretchered off the pitch after a nasty-looking incident in the 20th minute of the match, with onlookers fearing the worst with the playmaker suffered a suspected spinal injury.
Noah Lolesio scare
He was caught trying to clear a ruck on his own five-metre line when three Force players barrelled over to win the ball back.
The 25-year-old was caught in a compromising position with his head bent down and his knees pressed towards his chest, causing an unnatural stretch in his back.
He was eventually stretchered off the field with the Brumbies stating that he was transported to the Royal Perth Hospital for further assessment.
The club issued a positive update on Lolesio, who is set to depart Australian shores, joining a Japanese club next season.
“The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies can confirm that Noah Lolesio was stretchered from the field during last night’s game against the Western Force at HBF Park, following an incident that resulted in lower back pain,” the statement read.
“Noah was transported to the Royal Perth Hospital for further assessment and underwent medical imaging.
“We are pleased to report that scans have cleared him of any serious injury.
“Noah is in good spirits and will continue to be monitored by the club’s medical team over the coming days. A timeline for his return to play will be determined based on ongoing assessment and symptom resolution.
“We thank the medical staff, match officials, and supporters for their concern and well wishes.”
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Wallabies involvement?
It’s not yet clear whether Lolesio will recover in time for the British and Irish Lions tour, with the playmaker being Joe Schmidt’s first-choice number ten for much of last year.
Head coach Joe Schmidt has made a point of not selecting players who have not committed their future to Rugby Australia, but has left the door ajar for overseas-bound players for the series. He also commented on the potential selection of in-form Crusaders playmaker James O’Connor.
“We don’t want to preclude anyone; we want to be as strong as we can be for a pinnacle event, and I know there will be a lot of commentary about selection, but we will put a lot of effort into getting them right,” Schmidt said.
He added: “What we do know is if there are close calls, we will reward the guys who have committed their future to Rugby Australia. It’s not just about the pinnacle event of the British and Irish Lions, but also springboarding into the 2027 World Cup, which is magnified in importance because it’s here in Australia.”
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