Luke Fitzgerald out with injury – Rugby News Update
The Leinster winger, Luke Fitzgerald, is out of the remainder of the season due to a persistent neck problem, which is ruling the Ireland winger out of the tour of New Zealand and most importantly the Heineken Cup final against Ulster at Twickenham on May
19, 2012.
It is a big blow for the Luke who was hoping to play a significant part in the final and then the tour in the summer. However, he needs to have surgery on his neck that will ensure the problem does not occur again in the future.
Leinster boss Joe Schmidt was naturally upset at losing his mercurial winger and he said, "Obviously to lose a player of Luke's pedigree at such a crucial time of the season is a massive blow, not just for the team and our supporters, but also for the player
himself."
Luke is considered as one of the best and most exciting broken-field runners in the sport. Luke’s father Des also represented Ireland as a prop, and the winger was considered a prodigy in his younger days. His performances for Blackrock College earned him
comparisons with the legendary Brian O’Driscoll. Leinster boss while commenting on his abilities said, "Luke has been in fine form recently and as well as his capabilities on the field, he is a positive and popular presence within the dressing-room.”
It will be a huge loss for Leinster to not have the services of the 24-year old and a player who has been capped by Ireland 23 times, while representing the British and Irish Lions once in 2009 against South Africa.
Schmidt gave his support to the player and will look to have him back sooner rather than later. He said, "Knowing Luke, he will be determined to overcome this setback and aggressively tackle his rehab to regain full fitness and he will continue to benefit
from the full support of Leinster and the IRFU during that timeframe."
Fitzgerald made his Ireland debut against the Pacific Islanders at Lansdowne Road on November 26, 2006 and his last appearance came on August 20, 2011 against France, also at Lansdowne.
He will be a big miss for the Heineken Cup final, especially with Leinster gunning to win back to back European crown.
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