The Wallabies are nervously awaiting confirmation from France after Rory Arnold reportedly suffered a fractured right-arm which has put his Rugby Championship campaign in serious doubt, per Fox Sports.
Newly appointed coach Dave Rennie was expected to call up the 30-year-old after Rugby Australia loosened their eligibility laws for Australian's playing overseas.
Arnold couldn’t finish Toulouse‘s 28-18 loss to Exeter in the European Champions Cup semi-final and reports surfaced he had a fracture arm.
Wallabies forwards coach Geoff Parling spoke about the importance Arnold would bring the Wallabies.
“He‘s certainly a guy that’s come up in discussion (to be called up),”
“We‘re definitely aware of it. I watched the game, so I saw him go off holding his shoulder.
“Obviously it takes a bit of time to get the very specific details so we have an idea of what it might be but we still need a bit more info as to how long (he will be sidelined).
“It‘s unfortunate for Rory, he’s certainly someone that’s come into discussion about joining us for that Rugby Championship but now we’ll just reassess.”
Parling wasn‘t prepared to rule Arnold out from his squad but it’s unlikely Rennie would call on a player who will be unavailable for nearly half of the tournament.
Rob Simmons is now the only experienced lock in Rennie‘s squad, with uncapped Victorian Trevor Hosea, potentially in line to make his Wallaby debut.
“You never really know until you‘re actually in there but everything I’ve seen so far with Trevor, it’s a yes,” Parling said when asked if Hose was ready for Test rugby.
“He only made his Super debut this season. We brought him off the bench against the Reds and when we brought him on he whacked some people and did really well.
“I think with these guys, they absolutely love playing. As long as you can give them a gradual intro - so they get 20 minutes off the bench to start with - I certainly think he‘d be ready.”
