Wallabies Suffer Significant Setback as Noah Lolesio is Declared Out for Lions Tests After Undergoing Neck Surgery

Noah Lolesio has been ruled out of the upcoming British and Irish Lions series after undergoing neck surgery due to the whiplash he sustained during the match against Fiji on Sunday.

The Wallabies flyhalf was carted off the field in a medicab during the latter part of the game as his team secured a victory over the Flying Fijians, before being taken to Newcastle Hospital.

He was released from the hospital on Sunday evening and declared “free of significant damage” in a statement from the Wallabies. However, after a follow-up appointment with a Brisbane specialist on Monday, it became clear that the injury was more serious than initially believed, leading to his need for surgery.

The 25-year-old underwent a spinal fusion operation on Tuesday, which is expected to keep him out of action for a considerable time.

Rugby Australia and the Wallabies confirmed the surgery was a success and expressed confidence in Lolesio’s full recovery.

“It was a relief to see Noah moving about so well when he returned to the team hotel after his visit to the hospital in Newcastle on Sunday,” said coach Joe Schmidt.

“Moreover, it’s a great comfort for everyone, particularly his family, that the successful surgery puts him on the path to recovery.”

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Lolesio faced a similar injury issue just nine weeks prior while playing for the Brumbies against the Western Force in Perth. He was taken to hospital for a back injury after that game but was later cleared to complete the season.

This latest injury adds another layer of complexity to the selection dilemma facing Schmidt ahead of the Tests against the Lions, potentially paving the way for veterans James O’Connor and Bernard Foley to make remarkable comebacks after impressing in their respective club seasons in New Zealand and Japan.

The Wallabies’ official squad for the Lions series is set to be announced on Friday.