The Melbourne Rebels have today confirmed flanker Rob Leota suffered a long-term Achilles injury during Thursday’s Bledisloe thriller at Marvel Stadium.
The Victorian ruptured his Achilles late in the first half, with scans confirming the injury the following day.
Leota underwent successful surgery on Saturday and will begin his rehab later this week. The twenty-five-year-old has played 13 Tests for the Wallabies after making his national debut last year against South Africa.
Rebels GM of Rugby, Nick Stiles, said that while the setback was disappointing, the Rebels were confident Leota would return bigger and better as he looks to push for World Cup selection in 2023.
"Rob's injury is obviously really disappointing for everyone at the Club, especially after the excitement in having two local boys playing in a Melbourne Bledisloe Test," said Stiles.
"Rob is a consummate professional with his training and recovery and someone who is a high character individual, so I have no doubt he's going to attack his rehabilitation to the best of his ability.
"We were honoured to share last week's Bledisloe build up with his parents and feel their passion, pride and love for their son.
"As a Club, we're going to do everything we can to provide the same support for Rob during his rehabilitiation process and make sure he comes out from this bigger and better."
