Wallabies playmaker out of Lions series after neck surgery

Wallabies five-eighth Noah Lolesio is out of the British and Irish Lions series after undergoing neck surgery on Tuesday, following a whiplash injury suffered in Australia’s win over Fiji in Newcastle.

There is confidence Lolesio will make a full recovery and be able to play again, but after starting 11 of the Wallabies 13 Tests last year, Lolesio’s loss leaves coach Joe Schmidt with a play-making crisis on the eve of the Lions Test series, starting next Saturday.

Lolesio underwent a spinal fusion procedure in Brisbane after being taken from the field on a medicab in the second half of the Wallabies’ win over Fiji on Sunday.

He was taken to Newcastle Hospital but discharged on Sunday night, with the Wallabies initially issuing a release that the 25-year-old had been “cleared of significant damage”.

But the severity of the neck injury is greater than initially thought, and after seeing a specialist in Brisbane on Monday, Lolesio had surgery on Tuesday.

The injury and procedure are set to rule Lolesio out of rugby for the Lions series and a lengthy period of time, but there is confidence the Wallabies playmaker will be able to play rugby again in the future.

Australia’s Noah Lolesio leaves the field after a heavy tackle against Fiji in NewcastleCredit: AP

In a statement on Tuesday night, Rugby Australia said there was optimism about Lolesio’s future.

“He is expected to make a full recovery and will spend a period of time away from the game during his rehabilitation,” the statement said.

“Rugby Australia and the Wallabies will continue to support Noah and his family during this time.”

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said in the statement: “Firstly, we were relieved that Noah was up and moving well when he returned to the team hotel after his initial hospital visit in Newcastle on Sunday. Further to that, it’s an added relief for everyone, especially his family, that successful surgery now has him on the road to recovery.”

Noah Lolesio makes a break against Fiji.Credit: AP

Former All Blacks captain Sam Cane had a spinal fusion procedure in 2018 and returned to the field mid-way through the following year.

The news leaves the Wallabies in a crisis ahead of the first Test in Brisbane on July 19, with Lolesio having started 11 of the Wallabies’ 13 Tests last year, and with only one fit five-eighth in the existing squad named to play Fiji: Ben Donaldson.

Schmidt will name his squad for the Lions series on Friday.

Tom Lynagh was also named in the squad but did not train fully with the Wallabies in Newcastle. He is still recovering from a broken hand suffered while playing for the Reds in the Super Rugby finals.

Waratahs No.10 Tane Edmed was also with the Wallabies camp in Newcastle but has been released to start for the AUNZ team against the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide on Saturday.

Schmidt said post-game in Newcastle that there was no immediate need to call in an experienced five-eighth, but he has previously admitted to speaking to veteran duo James O’Connor and Bernard Foley.

Ben Donaldson playing for the Force against the Lions.Credit: Getty Images

O’Connor was the Wallabies No.10 in the 2013 Lions series in Australia and just won a Super Rugby title with the Crusaders, while Foley played his last Test in 2022.

Former Lions and Ireland playmaker Johnny Sexton, who is the kicking coach of the 2025 touring side, was asked on Tuesday whether he was surprised O’Connor had not been called up to the Wallabies squad to face Fiji.

“I’m not going to question Joe Schmidt’s selection, which is probably what you’re hoping for and create a headline,” Sexton said.

“But no, (there are) outstanding three guys that are in there (Lolesio, Donaldson and Lynagh) and they’re probably guys that know Joe’s system, Joe’s way of playing, and they’re the three that Joe’s gone (for) and the three we’re preparing to play against.”

All nine matches of The British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia are live & on demand on Stan Sport, with Wallabies Tests in 4K. All Test matches live and free on Channel 9 & 9Now.