Wallabies lock Izack Rodda set to miss World Cup

Fri, Jun 23, 2023, 5:56 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Western Force look to book their spot in the finals against the Chiefs

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has confirmed lock Izack Rodda will likely miss the rest of 2023 with a foot injury.

It's a heartbreaking blow for the 26-year-old, re-aggravating the injury that has hampered his past 18 months.

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He missed the 2022 Test season and looked set to play a major part in the Western Force's season, only to re-injury it during their last trial against the Fijian Drua.

Rodda featured in the final two games for the Force, only to have his World Cup hopes dashed once again.

"It's bad luck for him," Jones told reporters.

"He's had those couple of foot injuries and just reaggravated it so, unfortunately, he won't participate in the World Cup."

Rebels lock Matt Philip was spotted after training with ice on his calf but isn't expected to miss any time.

Jones also confirmed prop Angus Bell will likely not be available for the Springboks Test on July 9 as he continues his rehab from his own toe injury.

Andrew Kellaway sat out the session but Jones expected him to be right for the TRC opener whilst he was pleased with Taniela Tupou's progress from an Achilles injury.

“We’ll have to wait and see,” Jones said on Tupou

“He’s progressing nicely. He’s done a lot more training this week than he did previously. 

“We’ve got a plan for him and it’s going very well.”

In positive news, centre Samu Kerevi is set to join full training with the Wallabies from next week.

It's widely speculated Jones will name more than three International players, with Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley taking part in the open training session.

Richie Arnold and Will Skelton are expected to fly back to Australia in the coming days, with Jones to name his squad on Sunday.

There was no sign of Cooper at the open session but Wallabies officials confirmed he left the camp early for a wedding

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