Season over for Uelese after rupturing ACL

Sun, Jun 3, 2018, 4:16 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Jordan Uelese's season is over. Photo: Getty Images
Jordan Uelese's season is over. Photo: Getty Images

Jordan Uelese’s season is all but over, with the Wallabies confirming a suspected ACL rupture for the hooker.

The likely Wallabies starter had played just 10 minutes in the second half of Melbourne’s win over the Blues when an attempted tackle on Akira Ioane left him clutching his left knee.

He appeared to be in serious pain and was helped off the ground by two trainers.

It was initially hoped that Uelese may have only hurt his PCL but RUGBY.com.au understands the Rebels believe Uelese has ruptured his ACL.

The Wallabies confirmed those suspicions on Sunday, heading back to Melbourne for scans to confirm the diagnosis, a replacement hooker to be named on Monday.

It's a devastating blow for the 21-year-old who, in Tatafu Polota-Nau’s absence, was the obvious choice to start at hooker against Ireland on Saturday.

 

@wallabies sweating on Uelese scans.🤞#BLUvREB #SuperRugby

A post shared by rugby.com.au (@rugbycomau) on


Uncapped duo Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Folau Faingaa are the other hookers in the Wallabies squad, with Uelese’s Rebels teammate Anaru Rangi a chance of a call-up to the 33-man squad. 

Waratahs and capped Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu is another option, the only other rake with Test experience in Australia’s Super Rugby sides. 

The Uelese injury could leave the Wallabies completely devoid of Test experience, with Paenga-Amosa and Faingaa yet to make their international debuts.

Ireland will be missing their first-choice hooker, captain Rory Best, with a hamstring injury. 

 The Wallabies take on Ireland in a three-Test June Series, kicking off on Saturday June 9 at 8pm AEST. Buy tickets here.

Share
Rugby's night of nights is here as the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards celebrate the best and brightest.
RECAP: Ikitau, Tuinakauvadra take out big awards in night for first-time winners
Wallabies centre Len Ikitau breaks through for maiden John Eales Medal
'Doesn't feel real': Tuinakauvadra stunned as back-rower makes history with Wallaroos Player of the Year honour
Sevens stars Faith Nathan, James Turner claim Shawn Mackay Awards as Sevens players clean up honours