LONDON – Italy’s Rugby World Cup preparations have been dealt a substantial blow with New Zealand-born pivot Kelly Haimona ruled out of the tournament.
Italy’s Rugby bosses have confirmed that Haimona has left the Azzurri training camp after failing to recover from a broken arm suffered against Wales in the 6 Nations back in March. He was expected to be fit by the start of the Rugby World Cup but the Italian management and Haimona were informed that the injury had not yet healed and he was unable to do any contact work for 30 days.
Italy face a tough pool at this year’s keystone tournament and Haimona’s injury is a huge setback as the 29 year old looked to become a permanent fixture in the side after a relatively steady 6 Nations campaign.
Coach Jacques Brunel said in a statement that while Haimona’s absence was a setback for the team, the team was preparing for a World Cup and his injury wasn’t the end of the world.
“From the day of his debut in the national team last November, Kelly was one of the strong points of our national team. But we are preparing for a World Cup and we have to do with those who, today, can guarantee the maximum of his own condition.”