Rugby: Blow may end career for Lidgard

By Chris Rattue

Steelers prop Lee Lidgard is out for the season with a serious back injury which places his playing career under major threat.

The 31-year-old Counties Manukau stalwart and Chiefs frontrower got the devastating news last night after x-rays revealed he had a prolapsed disc.

Lidgard suffered a blow to his neck area as the Steelers received the first kickoff in their Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday, and he immediately left the game.

He suffered numbness in his legs and team doctor Peter Coleman prevented Lidgard from returning to the field.

Lidgard joins a list of props including Olo Brown, Jason Barrell and Mark Allen whose careers have been ended or threatened by back injuries.

Initial reports this week indicated Lidgard may be able to play this week but the x-rays told a different story last night.

Lidgard will see a specialist in three weeks but the likely scenario is that he would need an operation, which would put him out for a further year, if he was able even to contemplate playing again.

"It's devastating - I'm not a happy camper at the moment," Lidgard said as he watched the Steelers preparing for tomorrow's NPC clash against Wellington at Athletic Park.

"This season is over for me but I don't want to think about the options until I've seen the specialist.

"Age isn't on my side anymore and I'd have to see how long it would take to recover.

"In the old days before teams carried doctors I would have gone back on the field. I suppose I'm lucky - I might be in a wheelchair.

"Luckily I worked [as a labourer] before the professional era came in so I'm used to that. Maybe that's what I'll have to contemplate doing again.

"I'm pretty shattered right now. I just didn't want to hear what the doctor had to say. It shows you how things can change so quickly in your life."

Steelers coach Mac McCallion said Lidgard had been shocked by the news. McCallion was not entirely happy with the nature of the tackle which felled the prop, although Lidgard said: "It's a physical contact sport. I've got no problem with what happened."

Counties Manukau chief executive Gary Wilton said his union would not be taking it any further.

"Lee is not only a fine player for us but he is one of our best team men. He has huge mana. Everyone will be devastated for him."