Wallabies Berrick Barnes likely to miss out on 2011 Rugby World Cup - Rugby News
Wallabies fly-half Berrick Barnes is likely to miss the upcoming 2011 Rugby World Cup, taking place at New Zealand, in September. The fly-half sustained a head injury during the previous match of the NSW Waratahs against the Highlanders, on June 11. The
devastating injury ruled him out from the game in the first half. Later, further medical inquiries confirmed his exclusion from the rest of Super Rugby season because of the extent of his injuries.
Barnes has not been able to play in the ongoing Super Rugby consistently due to the same injury and missed a number of matches for the Waratahs. He has suffered from severe headaches the whole tournament and asked SANZAR to allow him to wear a boxing guard
on his head.
However, the fresh blow on his head has poured cold water in his selection for the forthcoming RWC 2011. Although Barnes is hopeful of making his place in the final squad for Webb Ellis Trophy, his future will be determined by his fitness level.
Talking to media, today on June 14, Barnes said that the head injury has definitely ruled him out from the rest of Super Rugby season but he will be able to recover before July 10. Australia is expected to announce its Word Cup crew on July 10 and Barnes
has to prove his fitness before that day.
Barnes further told the reporters that Warathas medical team has helped him to a great extent and they have guided him in right direction. He added that, “I've got to thank the Waratahs medical staff for giving me the opportunity and the right advice to
take some time off. It will be an extended time off ... I haven't put a time limit on it.”
He stated that, “I'm not hiding from the fact I've been probably a bit frustrated and anxious about things and that's probably causing some of the issues I'm having as well, so to get away from the environment is probably going to be beneficial in that respect.”
Barnes’ injury could take more than six weeks to recover which can deprive him from participating in the largest event of rugby of this year.
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