Wallabies centre Pat McCabe has been ruled out of rugby for the rest of the year after re-injuring his neck in Saturday night’s 23-21 loss to the Lions.
McCabe, who consulted with specialists in Sydney yesterday, had initially sustained a fracture in his neck during last year’s Spring Tour.
The Brumbies centre was making his first Test start since injury last year, and will now be confined to a neck brace for the next six weeks to stabilise the injury before further examination is made.
McCabe was confident that he would make a full return in 2014.
“It was encouraging to hear the specialists being positive both about the recovery process but also the possibility that I could be able to return to the playing field,” he said.
“It is human nature to think the worst but I’m in good hands medically. We’ll see how the rehabilitation goes and take it from there. I’d obviously like to get back into it, but I’ll be taking no chances with my health either.
“Hopefully things will go to plan, I’m pretty confident they will. I think I’ve got plenty of games left in me.
“For now, I’ll be concentrating on getting the recovery right while supporting both the Wallabies and Brumbies as much as I can.”
Wallabies’ medical staff were adamant that this injury would not spell the end of the 25-year-old’s career.
“It’s unfortunate that having completed the healing process from last year’s injury, that it has happened again,” said Wallabies doctor Warren McDonald.
“But there are a wide course of options open to Pat, which will be considered once the rehabilitation has been completed.
“The fracture that has partially opened up is expected to repair itself and strengthen.
“This does not mean that Pat will not be able to return to the rugby field and be able to feel comfortable taking contact.
“The specialist advice is that a return is viable pending the full recovery and strengthening of the neck.
“Only time can do that, but we will be monitoring it closely throughout the healing process.
“There is certainly no way that Pat will be returning to the game without a thorough assessment process to ensure he can have full confidence in the bone that has fractured.”
Bakkies
Guest
I wish he would he go back to wing or full back they were his positions before playing 12.
Justin2
Guest
Not bright those two. Who wants to be out at that time if you aren't on the gas anyway!
saus
Guest
Fantastic team player unlike the boys smashing woopers at 4am. I belive he was studying a science degree and maybe it is time to look at avenues outside playing.
jutsie
Guest
coincidentally two of the amigos in a bit of strife being photoed at hungry jacks at 4am. They werent drinking and JOC was driving them home but still they never learn do they.
colvin
Guest
On the contrary, I'm glad to see this news. It was very clear when Pat landed on the ball the way he did, with it lodged between his neck and the ground, that he had been seriously injured. It was also clear that it was a repeat of his earlier injury. Thirdly, it was clear that on its own the jarring he received should not have been the cause of serious injury and would not have been had his previous neck problem been completely resolved. He should not have been playing. He now needs to take time off until he is completely healed. Same as Barnes. The hit he received should not have knocked him out except now he cannot take a hit anywhere near his bean. The same as he went down when Cooper tackled him. He's clearly not right and needs time off until he is. Who remembers Cooper coming back from his serous knee injury last year and limping out onto the field to play. He was nowhere near ready and played like it. Consequently, 2012 did his career considerable harm. He came back way too soon. How can CL be able to play on Saturday? In NZ he would be required to take off at least two weeks. If he plays I won't be able to look the first time Davies gets the ball and runs at Christian. How can AAC play on Saturday? He could barely move his arm last week and had it in a sling after the match. If he plays he won't last out the match. Does no one care about these people? They need to be protected from themselves.
jutsie
Guest
well said mate. I will never denigrate patty mccabe because he shows alot of guts and character that i wish some of our more gifted stars would replicate.
cm
Guest
+1
Shungmao
Guest
Straight up decent bloke, tough competitor and role model to team mates. You gotta hope people like him inspire the beals, coopers etc to value their awesome talents and ability to get on the park week in week out verse being ratbags.
Dexter William
Roar Guru
Good luck Pat McCabe. The medico said this: "“The fracture that has partially opened up is expected to repair itself and strengthen." Fractures opening up after fusing is definitely telling you to slow down and be patient with your recovery. If this same medico tells you that you are ready, please add another 6 months to this date. He has made one mistake already by certifying you ready for kamikaze duties, so don't take his word as gospel. Or maybe he has not seen you play. Fracturing a toe or hand may be taken lightly, but neck and back fracture are not to be taken too lightly. A horrific injury on the field for a high profile Wallaby will surely send many mothers refusing their children the opportunity of playing rugby. Have a good rest and come back in 2015. You would only be 26 then, lots of rugby ahead.
The bedouin
Guest
Best of luck with your recovery pat. Hope you come back stronger -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Good luck Pat......whatever decision you make, I hope its the right one.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I am a McCabe fan for his fearless play, and heavy defence, and I think it is a shame his lack of self presevation might have done him more harm than good in close in the centres. A bloke with a kamikaze streak is probably always going to tackle himself into hospital at some stage or another. I hope he comes back better, with no lasting effects. But I don't want to see him at 12 for the Wallabies again. Injuries will wreck him eventually unless he changes his style at 12.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Sad really. Dunno if some type of neck brace a la Brent Tate would help?
Jonty
Guest
Poor fella - bad news for the Ponies come finals time as well.
AdamS
Roar Guru
The effects of a repeatedly fractured ego may not show until well in the future.
Rebel
Guest
Speaking of form.
hammertime
Guest
I myself have form as a macabe knocker but have never wished him ill. He is clearly a popular and likeable bloke. On this occasion It is enough to send him my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
AdamS
Roar Guru
It's a brutal game and some people, whether through injury or genetics just don't have the body to back up their skill. Barnes is the rugby version of Watson (and possibly Clarke) and we might not see the effect of his concussions for many many years. But Pat would be a constant living tragedy for himself, his family and the game if he tackled himself into a wheelchair or worse. Regardless of what his doctors say now, I know what everyone who is not his doctor would be saying if he comes back and does himself a serious permanent injury after two prior neck fractures.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
At least a year off for both Barnes and McCabe would do them good.
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
+2 I think both Barnes and McCabe should stop playing rugby. Rob Horne gets a few injuries so he should give it up too. Dingo Deans stubbed his toe on Sunday afternoon...He should DEFINATELY give it up !