Rugby: Ioane out for six months

BRISBANE - Destructive Wallabies winger Digby Ioane's 2009 rugby season is over after being booked in for a shoulder reconstruction.

Ioane, who would have commanded a starting spot in Australia's backline for the domestic test season due to his brilliant Super 14 form for the Queensland Reds, will be sidelined for up to six months.

The 23-year-old three-quarter initially injured his left shoulder in the Reds' 31-24 loss to the Lions on April 18 but played on before aggravating it against the Brumbies a fortnight ago.

Reds coach Phil Mooney said the decision to have an operation was made after a specialist examined Ioane on Wednesday and made in consultation with test coach Robbie Deans.

"It's a real blow for Digby, who I'm sure would have walked into the Wallaby side this year on the back of his exceptional performances for the Reds at outside centre," said Mooney.

"The news also came as a shock to Digby. He's never faced such a long period on the sidelines before so he's getting his head around that reality.

"When I spoke to Robbie Deans about it, we agreed it would give Digby time to really get himself into the best possible shape to attack the 2010 season."

Deans had said Ioane would be one of the "first names registered" when Australia's selectors sat down to pick their 30-man Test squad later this month.

Australia's form Super 14 back is now also at long odds to be available for the Wallabies' end-of-year tour of the United Kingdom.

- AAP