Australia's rugby team, the Wallabies, have encountered a major setback in their preparations for the upcoming series against the British and Irish Lions. Noah Lolesio, their first-choice fly-half, has been ruled out of the series following a neck injury sustained during a match against Fiji.

Lolesio, aged 25, was carried off the pitch during the Wallabies' narrow 21-18 victory over Fiji on Sunday. Initially, there was optimism regarding his recovery after he was discharged from the hospital the same day. However, subsequent medical evaluations revealed the necessity for neck surgery, which he underwent on Tuesday afternoon.

Rugby Australia has confirmed that Lolesio will require a significant period of rehabilitation, effectively sidelining him for the entirety of the Lions series. This development is a substantial blow to the Wallabies, as Lolesio has emerged as a pivotal player under head coach Joe Schmidt. Since being omitted from the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, Lolesio has started in five of the Wallabies' six Rugby Championship games last year and all four of their autumn internationals in the northern hemisphere.

In Lolesio's absence, Ben Donaldson is the most likely candidate to step into the fly-half role. Additionally, Tom Lynagh, the 22-year-old son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, is also in contention. Coach Schmidt may also consider the experienced duo of Bernard Foley and James O'Connor to strengthen the team's options.

The first Test against the Lions is scheduled for July 19 in Brisbane, with the second and third Tests to follow on the subsequent weekends in Melbourne and Sydney. The match against Fiji was Australia's sole warm-up game for this highly anticipated series.

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