Lions Series fears as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii requires surgery on jaw

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will undergo a minor operation only two months out from the first Test between the Wallabies and British & Irish Lions Series. Rugby Australia’s multi-million dollar man suffered a concerning jaw injury while playing for the NSW Waratahs on Friday.

Suaalii was helped from the field on a stretcher at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium after copping what Stan Sport Michael Atkinson described as “friendly fire” from Andrew Kellaway. Both Suaalii and Kellaway were trying to tackle Filipo Daugunu when the unfortunate incident occurred.

Coach Dan McKellar told reporters after the Waratahs’ seven-point loss that Suaalii was back at home with family members recovering, with the code-hopper believed to have avoided serious injury only a couple of days after the Lions announced their touring squad for Australia.

Suaalii settled well from concussion but has since developed other soreness, with an investigation showing the Wallaby has a small, non-displaced fracture of the jaw. After consulting with specialists, it’s been determined that Suaalii required a minor operation to reinforce the area.

A return to play timeframe will be determined four weeks after the operation. With the first Test against the Lions at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium only two months away, rugby fans worldwide will be hoping for Suaalii’s swift recovery.

“This is unfortunate for us and especially for Joseph. We wish him all the best in his recovery and return to full health,” coach Dan McKellar said in a statement.

“We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies.”

The Waratahs currently sit in eighth place on the ladder, with only three round-robin fixtures left to save their season. Without Suaalii, the Tahs will take on the Crusaders at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium this week, who are coming off a tough loss to the Chiefs at home.

While the Tahs struggled in 2024, having finished last at the end of the regular season, they did claim two thrilling wins over the Crusaders. Former Tahs fly-half Will Harrison was the hero for the New South Welshmen, who won an all-time classic thriller in Sydney.

With the Tahs currently sitting four competition points behind the sixth-placed Hurricanes, they will be desperate to repeat those heroics in their final home match of 2025. The Tahs have only lost one match at Allianz Stadium this season, which was against the Reds last week.