Australia's Foketi hospitalised after suffering neck injury in training

MELBOURNE - Australia centre Lalakai Foketi was rushed to hospital on Thursday after suffering a neck injury at a NSW Waratahs training session ahead of the Super Rugby season.

The 29-year-old, part of the Wallabies' 2023 World Cup squad, was treated by paramedics on the sidelines after hurting himself in a ruck, before being taken away by ambulance.

Waratahs coach Darren Coleman told local media that Foketi had feelings in his fingers but the full extent of the injury was not known.

"The NSW Waratahs can confirm that centre Lalakai Foketi sustained an injury to his neck at training today," the club said in a statement. 

"The club is awaiting the results from the scans and Foketi's family are with him in hospital. Club representatives have been on hand to provide support throughout the day."

The injury came just days before the Tahs' season-opening Super Rugby clash against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday. 

Foketi had been named to start at inside centre alongside fellow Wallaby Izaia Perese.