Australia’s preparations for their much-anticipated series against the British and Irish Lions have been dealt a significant blow with the news that first-choice fly-half Noah Lolesio has been ruled out of the tour.
The 25-year-old suffered a whiplash injury during the Wallabies’ narrow 21–18 win over Fiji on Sunday and was carried from the field. While initially discharged from hospital later that day, raising hopes of a quick recovery, further assessments led to surgery on Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement, Rugby Australia confirmed that Lolesio “will spend a period of time away from the game during his rehabilitation”, ruling him out for the duration of the Lions series.
The setback is a major one for head coach Joe Schmidt, who has made Lolesio a central figure since taking charge. Although left out of Australia’s Rugby World Cup squad in 2023, the Brumbies playmaker has since re-established himself, starting five of the Wallabies’ six Rugby Championship matches last year and all four of their northern hemisphere autumn internationals.
In Lolesio’s absence, Ben Donaldson is the frontrunner to take on the No.10 jersey. Also in contention is Tom Lynagh — the 22-year-old son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh — who was part of the squad for the Fiji fixture and has impressed at Super Rugby level.
Schmidt may also consider recalling veterans Bernard Foley and James O’Connor to add experience and depth to the playmaker role.
The first Test against the Lions takes place in Brisbane on 19 July, followed by matches in Melbourne and Sydney on the subsequent weekends. The Fiji game was Australia’s only warm-up ahead of the three-match series, making Lolesio’s injury all the more untimely.