Brumbies' Lealiifano out for three months

[The InnFORCEr]

AAP
December 13, 2013, 10:19 am

Christian Lealiifano will miss the start to the Super Rugby season after undergoing ankle surgery.
The Brumbies will be without Christian Lealiifano as they kick off their 2014 Super Rugby season with the Wallabies centre expected to be sidelined for three months following ankle surgery this week.

Lealiifano isn't expected to be available until at least March after undergoing surgery on Wednesday in Canberra.

The Brumbies playmaker had some bone, scar tissue and a plate removed that had been inserted when he dislocated his right ankle last year.

The injury affected the goal-kicking star's training during the Wallabies' recent European tour.

Lealiifano's likely replacement as the Brumbies' inside-centre, Pat McCabe, also needs a medical clearance as he waits to see if he will be ready to return from a broken neck.

McCabe suffered the injury against the British and Irish Lions in June.

Wallabies halfback Nic White also underwent surgery this week to remove a plate from his jaw and his wisdom teeth.

He will be back in full training when the squad returns from their Christmas holiday on Jan 6.

The Brumbies play their first Super Rugby 2014 trial match against the Highlanders in Queenstown on Jan 31, and open their season against Queensland Reds on Feb 22.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...-three-months/

[PeterM]

Wishing him a full and speedy recovery I know injuries are part of sport but never nice to see