Australian and Western Force loose forward Richard Brown will undergo shoulder surgery on Thursday, putting him out of contention for the Rugby World Cup starting in September.
Despite the disappointment, the decision means Brown – with 23 Wallaby caps – can be fully fit for the 2012 season and beyond.
He dislocated his right shoulder in the opening round of the 2010 season but played on, hoping he could ride out the injury and put himself in the frame for selection to play for the Wallabies in New Zealand.
Brown was able to earn further Test caps in last season’s Tri-Nations and European tour plus an extra 15 Super Rugby games in 2011, notching up 50 Western Force appearances in the process.
“I wanted to give myself every opportunity to play at the World Cup and I tried to push through it for as long as I could but the time has come where it’s just not an option anymore,” Brown said.
“It’s disappointing but I need to get it done now to make sure I’m ready for next season and get back to playing my best.”
Force Coach Richard Graham said Brown had done all he could to contribute to the club and put himself in a position to contest a place at the World Cup but knew surgery was going to be inevitable.
“It’s certainly unfortunate that the injury has ruled Richard out of the World Cup. He had worked extremely hard over the past 17 months and was a strong performer for both the Emirates Western Force and the Wallabies during that time,” said Graham.
“However, there was always going to come a point that he would need to have it done.
“He’ll now have the required time to recover and build his fitness back to its peak ahead of next season,” Graham added.
Brown is expected to be able to return to team training in about four months.
Jimbo
Guest
Poor bloke. Must be a terrible feeling to go through. Still I think Saffy is a better player than Brown.
Denby
Guest
Brown tries hard but he is just not international standard, if picked that would mean either very poor selection or the following players are injured or unavailable Palu, Elsom, McCalman, Higgers, Samo, Dennis, Mowen, Pocock, McCutcheon, Robinson, Mumm, Saffy, Hodgson, Gill & Betty White.
Johnno
Guest
Will Ben Mowen come into the RWC reckoning or a jarrod saffy or a phil waugh even.
Dexter William
Roar Guru
FOS I consider 7 a specialist pilferer. Beau Robinson and Matt Hogdson are pilferers. I do not consider Brown as a good cover for 7 as he lacks that flexibility of staying on his feet style that Pocock and George Smith have. We are very good at cover for 7 as you have suggested even in the young Liam Gill. Hogdson is not suitable for 6 or 8 IMO, not big or powerful enough. With the incumbents MacCalman at 8, and Rocky at 6, we have replacements Higs at 6, and maybe 8. And Samo 6 and 8. Ideally we do need another person such as Brown who can play at 6 and 8. The next person down from him is Dave Dennis who I would rate below Brown.
Dexter William
Roar Guru
Palu?? More like with need someone to cover the someone at 8. Not sure if he can play 6. We basically need two standby for 7 which is B Robinson and M Hogdson. For 6 and 8 cover, we do need more than just Higgers and Samo.
formeropenside
Guest
Yeah, sad for Brown but not really a loss for the Wallabies. Brown is a 7 who has been converted to a dogsbody backrower 8 when Hodgson, Higginbotham, Samo and Palu are all better options. Even McCalman is a better option than Brown. The sole advantage Brown may have over those named above (save Hodgson) is his ability to play 7, but if Pocock goes down, there are a number of players - like said Hodgson, Robinson, and Liam Gill - who I would still choose first as specialist 7's.
CraigB
Roar Guru
We actually need Brown to cover for 6 and 8 ---- Samo, Higgers, Palu not enough??
Dexter William
Roar Guru
In our back row reserve, we have Beau Robinson and Matt Hogdson to cover for Popcock. We actually need Brown to cover for 6 and 8. In my opinion, Dave Denis is not as good as Brown in covering 6 and 8. A sad lost actually. Good luck with next season R Brown.
Shore Thing
Guest
Battered Slav, You beat me to it! Hopefully Mumm will go down with something. Also Hodgson, Phipps. Also for Rebels sake Cipriani to badly pull a groin with Bingle.
The Battered Slav
Guest
Bad news for Dick Brown but probably the most positive news for Aus I have heard all day. At least Dingo won't be tempted to stick him on the bench for a game of two .....now if Mumm can just come down with a case of the whatevers, I'll be a happy man.
B-Rock
Roar Guru
A shame for him that he will miss the RWC but no real loss to the WBs given the back row is pretty well full, with Pocock, Rocky, Palu, McCalman, Samo, Higgers, etc To be honest, if Brown was on the field in the RWC that would mean extensive injuries and we would be no chance to win the big matches anyway
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
Very hard worker, this is a blow. Doesn't he know any dodgy panel beaters who can hide the damage till after November?