The Waratahs have been dealt a major blow with star Wallabies back Joseph Suaalii ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The powerful outside centre suffered the injury during the team’s warm-up ahead of Friday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Hurricanes in Sydney – a match the Waratahs went on to lose 59-19.
Scans have since revealed the extent of the damage, ruling the 22-year-old out for six to eight weeks and forcing him to miss a significant chunk of the season.
“Following results of a scan yesterday, the centre will now miss six to eight weeks of action,” a Waratahs statement said.
The setback is a major one for the Sydney-based club, who had started the campaign brightly before suffering their first defeat.
Coach Dan McKellar admitted the loss of Suaalii was deeply felt.
“He is a top quality player,” he said.
Suaalii made a high-profile switch from rugby league to union in late 2024 and has since become a key figure for the Wallabies, earning 18 Test caps.
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However, injuries have already disrupted his time with the Waratahs. He managed only seven appearances in his debut season as the side missed the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
– AFP
Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
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