Australian Rugby
Horwill to go under the knife
ESPN Staff
June 18, 2012
Reds skipper James Horwill is helped from the field with injury, Brumbies v Reds, Super Rugby, Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Australia, May 26, 2012
James Horwill struggles off the field © Getty Images
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Australia captain James Horwill will undergo surgery on his injured hamstring this week and is likely to be sidelined until the start of next year's Super Rugby competition.

The lock picked up the injury during the Reds' win over the Brumbies in May and was subsequently ruled out of the Test series with Wales. It was hoped the 27-year-old would be able to re-habilitate the injury using non-surgical methods but having failed to improve sufficiently, the decision has now been taken to operate.

The Wallabies remain hopeful that he may be available for the end of year tour of Europe but have admitted those chances are slim. "Although surgery is now the action, it is not expected to significantly alter the timeline for Horwill's return to playing duties," the Australian Rugby Union said in a statement.

"While there is still some hope that Horwill may recover in time to feature on the Qantas Wallabies Spring Tour in November, it is more likely that he will not be ready to return until next year's Super Rugby competition.

The Wallabies move from Melbourne to Sydney this afternoon in preparation for Saturday's sold out third Test against Wales at Allianz Stadium. The hosts wrapped up the series with a dramatic 25-23 victory at Docklands Stadium.

Wallabies winger Cooper Vuna, who was cited for a dangerous tackle during the game in Melbourne, will be available for selection in the third Test after a disciplinary panel concluded that, "there were significant and compelling mitigating factors, including a lack of intent on Vuna's behalf, which did not warrant a suspension being imposed for the offence."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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