Wallabies star "moving arms and legs" after suspected spinal injury ahead of Lions tour
Rugby NewsSaturday, 10 May 2025 at 12:03
Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has been dealt his first huge setback in his preparations for the Lions tour in just a couple of months time.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
Brumbies pivot Noah Lolesio has been in red hot form for his ACT Brumbies this season, with pretty unanimous calls for him to retain the 10 jersey for the men in gold this summer.
However just twenty minutes into Saturday night’s fixture against The Force, play was halted for several minutes as a stricken Lolesio was attended to by a host of medics before being stretchered off – supposedly taken straight to hospital. Replays showed the stand off getting CRIPPLED during a Force counter ruck with s serious spinal/hip injury being touted.
Schmidt will still have the likes of Tom Lynagh and James O’Connor to call on if needed, but with the enormity of the upcoming tour, losing his most trusted playmaker will have been a body blow to Australia’s chances of a first series win over the Lions since 2001.
Stan Sport pundit Matthew Burke gave a grim update on Noah Lolesio’s condition during the half-time break — and it’s not looking great for the Brumbies playmaker.
After chatting with medical staff, Burke said the incident appeared to be Lolesio
"being crushed more than anything else,"following what looked like a harmless tangle.
"It looks like an innocuous slip of the leg and that he got caught up," Burke explained. "But they've got to go through all the protocols."
Meanwhile, Brumbies boss Stephen Larkham had little to offer in terms of clarity. Speaking live to the host broadcaster, the head coach admitted he was still in the dark about the fly-half’s status: “We don’t know the extent just yet.”
EDITORS PICKS:
The Unpicked XV: 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia
1. Nicky Smith (Wales)
An experienced loosehead with over 50 caps for Wales, Smith remains one of the most consistent scrummagers in the game.
2. Jamie George (England)
The veteran hooker and 2021 Lions tourist missed out this time despite being one of England's most reliable performers and a respected leader.
3. Kyle Sinckler (England)
Known for his explosive ball-carrying and fiery passion, Sinckler’s form and location overseas weren’t enough to secure a third Lions tour.
4. Jonny Gray (Scotland)
A lineout expert and tackling machine, Gray has struggled with injuries recently, ruling him out of contention for Australia.
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5. Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
One of Scotland’s most experienced locks, Gilchrist’s leadership and work rate have been invaluable, but he misses out once more.
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
A Lions stalwart and former England captain, Lawes confirmed his international retirement earlier this year, ending his Lions journey.
7. Jack Willis (England)
A breakdown menace with a relentless engine, Willis has impressed abroad but may have missed out due to playing outside the UK.
8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
One of the finest No.8s of his generation, Faletau has been sidelined through injury, robbing him of a potential fourth Lions tour.
9. Ben White (Scotland)
Scotland's first-choice scrum-half has been a steady performer internationally, but couldn't edge out the fierce competition for the Lions.
10. Owen Farrell (England)
The former Lions captain and England centurion ruled himself out of international duty in late 2024, prioritising family and mental wellbeing.
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England)
A breakout star of the 2024 Six Nations, the young wing lit up the tournament but narrowly missed selection on this occasion.
12. Robbie Henshaw / Manu Tuilagi (Ireland/England)
Both powerhouse centres boast extensive Lions pedigree. Henshaw’s injury woes and Tuilagi’s patchy form ultimately saw them miss out.
13. Henry Slade (England)
One of the most elegant and versatile backs in the northern hemisphere, Slade is again overlooked despite consistent form.
14. Darcy Graham (Scotland)
The dynamic utility back has added polish to his raw talent but couldn’t squeeze into the highly competitive Lions back three.
15. George Furbank (England)
A confident and elusive fullback, Furbank’s excellent form under Steve Borthwick wasn’t quite enough to force a late inclusion.
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