You are in > manchester.com  > News > Czekaj out of World Cup

Rugby Union

Czekaj out of World Cup

04/06/2007

Wales winger Chris Czekaj has been ruled out of the rugby World Cup and could be out for up to a year after undergoing surgery on a broken leg.

The 21-year-old Cardiff Blues finisher was injured when he fell badly after being tackled by Australia hooker Stephen Moore midway through the first half of Wales' 31-0 defeat in Brisbane.

After being carried off, clearly in a great deal of pain, Czekaj was immediately taken to a local hospital and underwent surgery on his right leg to correct the severe fracture.

As a result of the procedure, the player will not fly home with the rest of his team-mates as he is required to wait 14 days before boarding an aeroplane.

The squad is expected to return from Australia later this week after what has been a disappointing tour.

Many critics have spoken out against what was seen as the thankless task of heading overseas to play a two-Test series against their pool B opponents, who they play in their second match of the World Cup in Cardiff on September 15th.

And the media have speculated that several players returning from the tour could have their confidence affected by two defeats, a heartbreaking 29-23 reverse against the Wallabies being followed up by Saturday's heavy loss.

© Adfero Ltd