Share

McCabe out for rest of year

accreditation
Pat McCabe (Getty)
Pat McCabe (Getty)

Sydney - Wallaby back Pat McCabe was on Wednesday ruled out of rugby for the rest of the year after sustaining a neck injury during last weekend's 23-21 loss to the British and Irish Lions in the first Test at Brisbane.

Specialists said he needed to properly rest to prevent it becoming career-threatening.

The 25-year-old first fractured his neck on last year's European tour and will need to wear a brace for at least six weeks to stabilise the reopened injury before further assessments are made.

"It's unfortunate that having completed the healing process from last year's injury, that it has happened again," Wallabies doctor Warren McDonald said in a statement.

"The fracture that has partially opened up is expected to repair itself and strengthen.

"The specialist advice is that a return is viable pending the full recovery and strengthening of the neck. Only time can do that, but we will be monitoring it closely throughout the healing process."

The Brumbies star has played 20 Tests and was philosophical about the setback, noting that it "could have been a lot worse".

"It was encouraging to hear the specialists being positive both about the recovery process but also the possibility that I could be able to return to the playing field," McCabe said.

"We'll see how the rehabilitation goes and take it from there. I'd obviously like to get back into it, but I'll be taking no chances with my health either."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1120 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1287 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1982 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE