Noah Lolesio’s British and Irish Lions dream in tatters after Wallabies star’s surgery

Noah Lolesio’s British and Irish Lions dream is in tatters after the Wallabies star underwent surgery which will require a significant stint on the sidelines for his recovery.

The Wallabies have suffered a massive blow on the eve of the British and Irish Lions tour with star playmaker Noah Lolesio ruled out of the entire series after undergoing surgery on Tuesday.

Lolesio was stretchered off on a medivac with a whiplash injury to his neck after taking a nasty hit during the Wallabies’ last gasp win over Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

The 25-year went to Newcastle Hospital on Sunday, and was discharged within hours, but was readmitted to hospital in Brisbane following a further follow-up.

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Noah Lolesio was a key part of the Wallabies’ plans for the Lions series. Picture: Getty Images

According to Rugby Australia, Lolesio is expected to make a full recovery, but will miss the entire three-match series against the Lions, due to kick-off on July 19.

“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,” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said.

“Further to that, it’s an added relief for everyone, especially his family, that successful surgery now has him on the road to recovery.”

READ MORE: The painful lesson the Wallabies must take from great Fijian escape

Noah Lolesio lays on the ground injured. Picture: AP Photo

Australia's Noah Lolesio is stretched off the field. Picture: AP Photo

Lolesio’s absence means Western Force playmaker Ben Donaldson and Queensland Reds flyhalf Tom Lynagh are likely to vie for the Wallabies’ number 10 jersey against the Lions.

Donaldson started on the bench against Fiji and replaced Lolesio on Sunday afternoon, while Lynagh was in the wider training squad.

Schmidt will name his Wallabies squad to take on the Lions on Friday, with either Tane Edmed or James O’Connor the likely replacements.

The Brumbies-bound Edmed came off the bench in the Waratahs’ spirited showing against the Lions in Sydney on Saturday, and was named in the AUNZ side to play the tourists in Adelaide on June 28.

O’Connor meanwhile is fresh off winning the Super Rugby Pacific trophy with the Crusaders, and earlier this month signalled his desire to play for the Wallabies again.

Lolesio stayed down after he was hit side on by Fijian backrower Elia Canakaivata. It was a legal tackle, but the playmaker was taken off in a neck brace before being transported to hospital.

There were similar scenes in May when Lolesio was stretchered off with a back complaint during the Brumbies’ win over the Force in Perth.

Lolesio missed the ACT side’s next match against the Reds a week later, but returned for the Brumbies’ home showdown with the all-conquering Crusaders the following week.

His injury casts a doubt over Lolesio’s immediate Wallabies future, with the 33-Test half confirming a move to Japan for 2026.

In an ironic twist, Lolesio’s departure to Japan opened the door for Edmed to move from Sydney to Canberra next year.

Edmed has played one Test for Australia, but was in and out of the Waratahs’ starting line-up as Dan McKellar’s side finished eighth on the table.