Jake Schatz
Quade Cooper
Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper and No 8 Jake Schatz have been ruled out of the side’s 2-week tour of South Africa, after suffering injuries in Friday night’s loss to the Melbourne Rebels in Melbourne.
Cooper fractured his scapula making a tackle, while Schatz ruptured a tendon in his elbow after his arm was caught in an awkward position in a ruck. Cooper will be sidelined for up to 8 weeks, while Schatz will be reviewed in 4 weeks.
The Reds head to Johannesburg this Sunday and head coach Richard Graham said he would take the next 24 hours to make a decision as to who would join the 27-man squad for the tour.
“I will have a meeting with the coaching staff today about what balance we need to achieve within the squad, but the benefit we do have is we have had a number of younger players gain further experience at Super Rugby level earlier this season,” Graham said.
“After building on a good foundation from last week, it’s disappointing to lose the 2 boys ahead of an important tour.
“The playing group showed incredible resolve to play out 60 minutes of last night’s match with just 14 men and still be a shot at winning the match, so I have no doubt they’ll take a similar approach to this set back.
“All we need to worry about is the things we can control – and that is our attitude, preparation and performance.”
The Reds squad for South Africa will be announced via media release on Sunday, ahead of their departure to Johannesburg.