In a blow for the Brumbies and Wallabies, Pat McCabe is set to retire from playing rugby following a third fracture to his neck.
The latest injury was sustained during the Bledisloe clash in Auckland after what appeared to be a slight knock to his head. He underwent scans in Auckland following the game and returned to Sydney in a neck brace and met with specialists earlier this week but the bad news was confirmed.
McCabe first suffered a fractured neck on the 2012 Spring tour against France and suffered a recurrence of that injury last year during the British and Irish Lions Test in Brisbane.
Brumbies coach Steve Larkham confirmed the news this morning on ABC radio, “he had a scan over in New Zealand and was reported to have a little fracture in his neck and has since seen a specialist in Sydney and the specialist has confirmed that there is a fracture in and he has strongly suggested not to play ever again. At this stage Patty’s made the decision that he’s not going to play again.”
“Patty’s had a number of good years here at the Brumbies and I thought this year was his best year in terms of performance and had a really good pre-season. He had a bit of a scare earlier in the year but overcame that and fought his way back into the Wallabies.”
McCabe will wear a neck brace for the next few months as he overcomes this devastating news but it is expected that the injury will fully heal.
