Higginbotham ruled out of Lions series

Australia loose forward Scott Higginbotham has been ruled out of action for the series against the British and Irish Lions and the rest of the year after dislocating his shoulder, Australia rugby have confirmed.

Higginbotham, capped 23 times, was injured playing for the Melbourne Rebels in their 33-20 Super Rugby loss to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

After resting the injury, Higginbotham was assesed by Australia medical staff on Monday and scans have revealed ligament damage which will require reconstructive surgery.

A statement from Australia Rugby said: “The rehabilitation timelines are such that he is not expected to be fit to return to play until the start of next year’s Super Rugby competition.”