Former Wallabies coach John ‘Knuckles’ Connolly in ‘serious’ condition in hospital after fall at father’s home

Former Sunshine Coast councillor and Wallabies coach John ‘Knuckles’ Connolly remains in hospital after he has suffered serious spinal injuries after a fall.

Former Sunshine Coast councillor and Wallabies coach John Connolly is in a serious condition at a Brisbane hospital after a fall.

Former Sunshine Coast councillor and Wallabies coach John Connolly is in a serious condition at a Brisbane hospital after a fall.

Mr Connolly, 70, suffered spinal injuries after a fall at his father’s Brisbane home at the weekend and has been at the Princess Alexandra hospital in Brisbane since.

Family friend Wayne Smith said he had spoken briefly to Mr Connolly, known as Knuckles, who was in “good spirits” despite the uncertain outlook.

Mr Smith said he did not known the severity of Mr Connolly’s injuries but said they were serious.

“At this stage we don’t know, he is being optimistic about it all but only time will tell,” Mr Smith said.

“He’s in as good a spirits as he can be but when I spoke to him he was very groggy.

“It’s very sad.”

John Connolly led the Wallabies to the 2007 World Cup and was in charge of the Australian side for 25 tests.

Speaking to rugby.com.au Mr Connolly said he faced 12 months rehabilitation.

“I look like facing at least 12 months rehab,” he told rugby.com.au.

“I just wanted to say thank you to all the people who have expressed concern.”

Knuckles led the Wallabies to the 2007 World Cup and was in charge of the Australian side for 25 tests.

He was a Sunshine Coast councillor from 2016 to 2020.

Wallabies great Tim Horan led a chorus of support for Knuckles over social media.

“Thoughts and prayers to my good mate and former Wallaby coach John Connolly,” Horan tweeted.

“Had a fall two days ago and in hospital (ICU).

“One of the best brains in the game. This will be a tough fight for “knuckles” … we’re all with you.”

Mr Smith said Mr Connolly had vowed to fight back to health.

“He’s not called Knuckles for just any old reason,” he said.