Aussie latest – Barnes may miss World Cup
14 Jun 2011
Keo.co.za brings you news from Australia’s Super Rugby franchises.
Barnes may miss World Cup – Waratahs and Wallabies utility back Berrick Barnes has announced an indefinite break from rugby and could miss the global tournament in September.
Barnes has sustained numerous head-knocks and concussions, and resultant migraines have forced him out of rugby for the time being. However, the 25-year-old still hopes to feature at the World Cup in New Zealand.
‘It’s certainly a goal of mine and something I’d love to be a part of but at the moment it’s not at the forefront of my mind,’ he said. ‘It’s about getting myself right and being able to perform exercise of a physical nature without suffering any of this sort of stuff.
‘I’m not hiding from the fact that I’ve been a bit frustrated and anxious about things and that’s probably causing some of the issues I’m having as well. So to get away from the environment just for a little bit is probably going to be pretty beneficial in that respect.’
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said Barnes must ensure that he is well before returning to the playing field.
‘It is important that Berrick takes all of the time that he needs to overcome this issue, and that he is ready both physically and mentally, before he even thinks about playing the game again,’ Deans said.
4 Comments
14 Jun 2011, 10:03 am
What a shame. He really is a lekker ouk with good manners and none of the Im fullofmyself bs you have with some players.
Good luck Barney…
14 Jun 2011, 10:08 am
Class act this guy.
With Mitchell already out it seems the Wallabies have some problems of their own.
14 Jun 2011, 15:27 pm
Agreed. Barnes is a class player, I remember at a press conference Wayne Smith sort of grinned when asked about Barnes coming off the bench — it’s clear the ABs selectors (but not Deans?) really rate this guy. And more importantly, he’s not a punk like frankly a lot of his Aussie teammates.
15 Jun 2011, 00:53 am
Tahs are gone. No team can have around 65% of it’s first choice team injured or out and win the comp. Barnes, Robinson, Kepu, Palu, Mowen, Cross, Mitchell, Horne, Douglas (suspended), Fitzpatrick, Waugh (1/2 game at best).
It’s a pity that the 2 players that they would do better without (Mumm & Carter) are still there.
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