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McCabe sidelined for 6 months

Sydney - Pat McCabe has paid a heavy price for his Rugby World Cup bravery after having a shoulder reconstruction that is expected to keep him on the sideline for six months.

The versatile back had surgery on his right shoulder in Sydney on Tuesday, and will miss at least the first month of the Brumbies' Super Rugby campaign next year. He will also miss the Wallabies' end-of-season trip to play the Barbarians and Wales next month. But he vowed to do everything in his power to return to the field earlier than expected for the Brumbies' first season under new coach Jake White.

McCabe arrived back in Australia at the weekend after the Wallabies finished third at the World Cup. His long recovery is a cruel blow after he was elevated into the Wallabies' starting XV this year and made the inside-centre spot his own.

The Brumbies begin their season against the Force on February 24, but McCabe isn't expecting to be available for selection until late March or early April.

''I wanted to have the surgery as early as possible, because it's a six-month recovery and I wanted to miss as few games as possible for the Brumbies,'' McCabe said. ''It's obviously pretty frustrating but it's something I have to get right. I have to look at it as an opportunity to improve my skills and physical attributes for when I can play again in March.

''This year has been long, and it has taken its toll physically and mentally so, hopefully, I'll come back fully recharged and ready to go for the Brumbies.''


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