Wallabies inside centre Berrick Barnes said on Tuesday he was taking an indefinite break to deal with concussion-related issues, putting his World Cup plans in doubt.
The 25-year-old was forced from the field in the first half of the NSW Waratahs’ 33-7 victory over the Otago Highlanders on Saturday and he later suffered a severe headache.
Barnes, who played in the national rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos before switching to rugby union in 2006, consulted medical staff the next day and has ruled himself out of the rest of the Super Rugby season.
“I’ve got to thank the Waratahs medical staff for giving me the opportunity and the right advice to take some time off,” said Barnes, who has battled headaches all season after several knocks on the head.
“I’m not hiding from the fact I’ve been probably 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 is probably going to be beneficial in that respect.”
The Waratahs picked up a bonus point in their win over the Highlanders to lie in seventh place, just one point behind the Bulls and Sharks in what is developing into an absorbing climax to the Super 15 regular season.
Barnes did not put a time-frame on his absence, with the Australian World Cup squad due to be announced on July 10 ahead of the tournament in New Zealand in September and October.
“It will be an extended time off … I haven’t put a time limit on it,” he said.
“I’d love to be involved in the World Cup, so that’s obviously giving it some sort of time frame but it’s not at the forefront of my mind.”
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said he understood why Barnes, who has won 31 caps, was taking a break, and left the door open for him playing at the World Cup.
“How long Berrick is out for will determine what happens next, as far as his career is concerned, but no one will be rushing him,” said Deans.
“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.” — AFP