Wallabies playmaker Lolesio sidelined before Lions series after 'successful' surgery

SYDNEY (AP) — Australia flyhalf Noah Lolesio has been sidelined ahead of the British and Irish Lions test series after surgery on Tuesday on an unspecified injury sustained in the 21-18 comeback win over Fiji.

Rugby Australia issued a statement confirming Lolesio “has had successful surgery today.”

It didn’t release details of the injury or the timeframe for Lolesio’s recovery but he will miss the first Lions test on July 19 in Brisbane. Australian media reported Lolesio underwent spinal surgery.

“He is expected to make a full recovery and will spend a period of time away from the game during his rehabilitation,” was all Rugby Australia added.

The playmaker's head hit the ground with force on Sunday during the second half against Fiji in Newcastle. He was carried from the field and taken to hospital. He was discharged later Sunday then readmitted to another hospital after a medical follow-up.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said Lolesio had been “up and moving well when he returned to the team hotel after his initial hospital visit in Newcastle on Sunday.”

“Further to that, it’s an added relief for everyone, especially his family, that successful surgery now has him on the road to recovery.”

Lolesio was expected to get the first shot at the Lions after starting 11 of 13 tests under Schmidt. Schmidt announces his squad for the three-test series on Friday and Lolesio's absence leaves Tom Lynagh, the son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, and Ben Donaldson as the flyhalf options.

Another candidate was veteran utility James O'Connor, who could return after a season with the Super Rugby Pacific-winning Crusaders.

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

Australia's Noah Lolesio, center, makes a break against Fiji during their rugby union international match in Newcastle, Australia, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Australia's Noah Lolesio is stretched off the field after an injury during their rugby union international match against Fiji in Newcastle, Australia, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Australia's Noah Lolesio reacts after he was tackled during the rugby international between the Wallabies and Fiji in Newcastle, Australia, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Australia's Noah Lolesio reacts as he is tackled during the rugby international between the Wallabies and Fiji in Newcastle, Australia, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A gas cylinder explosion early Sunday after a wedding reception at a home in Pakistan’s capital killed at least eight people, including the bride and groom, police and officials said.

The blast occurred as guests who had gathered to celebrate the couple were sleeping at the house, causing part of the house to collapse, according to the Islamabad police. Seven people were injured.

In a statement, police said the explosion occurred in a residential area in the heart of the city. A government administrator, Sahibzada Yousaf, said authorities were alerted about the blast early Sunday and officers are still investigating. He said some nearby homes were also damaged.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the victims’ families, according to a statement from his office. He directed health authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment and ordered a full investigation.

Many Pakistani households rely on liquefied petroleum gas cylinders because of low natural gas pressure, and such cylinders have been linked to deadly accidents caused by gas leaks. Police said investigations were ongoing.

Government officials survey the damage of a home caused by a gas cylinder explosion hours after a wedding reception, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Ehsan Shahzad)