Danny
22-08-2005, 08:52 AM
Flatley may be forced to quit
By Peter Jenkins
August 22, 2005
FOXSPORTS
LUCKLESS Test veteran Elton Flatley will visit a Melbourne specialist this week amid fears he might have to retire from rugby.
Flatley was withdrawn from the Australia side just 10 minutes before the Wallbies' Tri-Nations loss to South Africa in Perth after complaining of blurred vision out of his left eye.
After a two-season history of head knocks and concussions, and a clearance only two months ago from a leading neurosurgeon, Flatley's latest scare has left a significant cloud over his future.
"It's definitely a concern, there's no doubt about that," said the dejected five-eighth who last night revealed he also suffered blurred vision after taking a knock around the back and chest against the All Blacks the previous week.
"We'll just have to re-evaluate things, and go and see the specialist. Obviously I've had a couple of head knocks, there's no getting around that, but this is new for me.
"I was just warming up, making a few tackles on the bags. It was a similar situation to last week when it happened against the All Blacks. The left eye got a bit blurred and I didn't want to risk going into the game in case it continued or got worse. I didn't want to let the team down.
"I guess what is a concern is the unknown of it all. Once we find out what it is we can make some decisions. Whether it's got something to do with (previous head injuries) or it's completely different, we're not quite sure.
"It's obviously something to speak to the doctor about and once all the facts are there, we'll evaluate and make decisions."
Flatley was a shattered figure at Subiaco after he notified the Australia team medical staff of his plight and then had to relay the bad news to coach Eddie Jones.
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For 20 minutes, Flatley sat in the Wallabies' dressing room, oblivious to what was happening out on the field.
He might have preffered to stay that way as the Wallabies lost 22-19 to South Africa after Springboks wing Bryan Habana scored two breakway tries.
The Daily Telegraph
By Peter Jenkins
August 22, 2005
FOXSPORTS
LUCKLESS Test veteran Elton Flatley will visit a Melbourne specialist this week amid fears he might have to retire from rugby.
Flatley was withdrawn from the Australia side just 10 minutes before the Wallbies' Tri-Nations loss to South Africa in Perth after complaining of blurred vision out of his left eye.
After a two-season history of head knocks and concussions, and a clearance only two months ago from a leading neurosurgeon, Flatley's latest scare has left a significant cloud over his future.
"It's definitely a concern, there's no doubt about that," said the dejected five-eighth who last night revealed he also suffered blurred vision after taking a knock around the back and chest against the All Blacks the previous week.
"We'll just have to re-evaluate things, and go and see the specialist. Obviously I've had a couple of head knocks, there's no getting around that, but this is new for me.
"I was just warming up, making a few tackles on the bags. It was a similar situation to last week when it happened against the All Blacks. The left eye got a bit blurred and I didn't want to risk going into the game in case it continued or got worse. I didn't want to let the team down.
"I guess what is a concern is the unknown of it all. Once we find out what it is we can make some decisions. Whether it's got something to do with (previous head injuries) or it's completely different, we're not quite sure.
"It's obviously something to speak to the doctor about and once all the facts are there, we'll evaluate and make decisions."
Flatley was a shattered figure at Subiaco after he notified the Australia team medical staff of his plight and then had to relay the bad news to coach Eddie Jones.
Advertisement:
For 20 minutes, Flatley sat in the Wallabies' dressing room, oblivious to what was happening out on the field.
He might have preffered to stay that way as the Wallabies lost 22-19 to South Africa after Springboks wing Bryan Habana scored two breakway tries.
The Daily Telegraph