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Rugby League

O'Loughlin to miss World Cup

04/09/2008

Wigan Warriors captain Sean O'Loughlin has been ruled out for the rest of the rugby league season - including the upcoming World Cup in Australia - with a shoulder injury.

The influential loose forward, who was due to figure in England coach Tony Smith's squad for the autumn tournament, was expected to return in time for the Super League's end-of-season playoffs.

O'Loughlin broke his shoulder blade in May during a home win over Warrington Wolves, making a brief comeback in July as he came off the bench at Hull KR.

However, the 25-year-old has not figured since and a scan on the player's joint on Monday - in preparation for this weekend's final regular season game against St Helens on Friday - revealed he would not be match fit for up to six weeks.

"It is a blow and I am hugely disappointed both that I won't play for Wigan again this year and will also miss the World Cup," he said.

"There is nothing I can do about it. I have to follow medical advice and just get myself right now in the close season and be back fully fit for 2009."

O'Loughlin joins fellow loose forward Sam Burgess on the sidelines, after the Bradford Bulls youngster was ruled out of the World Cup in July - also with a shoulder problem.