Italy will be deprived during the 2023 Rugby World Cup (September 8-October 28) of Treviso center or winger Tommaso Menoncello, who will be operated on after injuring his left arm on Saturday, the Italian Federation announced on Tuesday.
“Additional examinations carried out on Monday revealed that he suffered from a distal rupture of the biceps with associated lesion of the joint capsule” of the shoulder, said Federugby in its press release.
“He will be operated on Thursday,” continues the press release, which does not specify the status of the player for the World Cup. Joined by AFP, the Italian Federation indicated that Menoncello “will not be able to participate in the World Cup”.
The winger (12 caps) who will be 21 on August 20, was injured in the 75th minute of the test match lost by Italy against Ireland in Dublin (33-17) and, visibly aware of the severity of his injury, he left the field in tears.
New Zealand coach Kieran Crowley was originally due to unveil his list of 33 World Cup roster this week, but it will finally be released on August 22 after a test match against Ireland left its mark on his squad.
In addition to Menoncello, Saracens prop Marco Riccioni (left knee) and Gloucester scrum-half Stephen Varney (left shoulder) have left the field through injury.
Italy will face in Group A of the 2023 World Cup France, New Zealand, Namibia and Uruguay.
