Taniela Tupou ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby season, doubtful for England Series
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Wallabies and Reds tighthead prop Taniela Tupou is set to miss the remainder of the Reds’ campaign.
The Super Rugby club released a short statement on Monday confirming the prop's injury.
'The Queensland Reds are seeking further medical opinion, however it is expected tighthead prop Taniela Tupou will be sidelined for the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season with a calf strain suffered in last Friday's match against the Chiefs.'
He suffered the injury in the first half of Queensland’s 27-25 loss and is no doubtful for Australia’s three-test series against England in July.
“He’s obviously hard to replace because he’s a once-in-a-generation type player,” Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto said.
“He hasn’t had an injury like this in such a long time, if any injury, so we’re pretty down for him, but at the same time he’s got lot of stuff going on off the field.
“He’s got a little boy on the way ... so it’s probably a good thing for him to get away before hopefully we’re in finals, and the big Tests up ahead for him.
“While it’s a bad thing from a rugby point of view, mentally and off the field, it’s probably good for him to get that freshen up that he needs.”
The Reds again face off against the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.