Luckless Wallabies star breaks leg with wedding just days away
Updated . First published
Exclusive: The Wallabies’ Bledisloe Cup hopes have been rocked, with star playmaker Carter Gordon set to miss up to two months with a broken leg.
And in a cruel blow, nine.com.au can reveal the injury comes on the eve of the 25-year-old’s wedding, with the blond-haired No.10 due to tie the knot to long-time partner Abbey Lewis later this week.
Carter Gordon and partner Abbey with their baby. Abbey Lewis
Gordon suffered the injury to his fibula in the 70th minute during the Wallabies’ frustrating 28-all draw against Los Pumas in Mendoza.
After coming off the bench, Gordon attacked near the Pumas’ line but fell just before contact.
He was seen in agony on the ground.
The immensely talented playmaker attempted to play on but signalled to leave the field moments later as New Zealand referee James Doleman awarded the Wallabies a penalty try following a deliberate knockdown from Argentine fullback Santiago Carreras.
The 6-8 week injury is a huge setback for the Wallabies’ hopes of winning back the Bledisloe Cup, with Gordon Les Kiss’ preferred play making option despite coming off the bench against Argentina.
It also continues a wretched run of misfortune for the abrasive playmaker, with Gordon struggling to string matches together since injuring his back before his only season in the NRL in 2025.
It’s believed the Wallabies have been given 10 days off ahead of their next clash against the Springboks in Perth on September 27.
The Wallabies will then meet the All Blacks in their two Test Bledisloe Cup series, before finishing the 2026 campaign with four Tests in the United Kingdom.
While Ben Donaldson is likely to now enjoy an extended run in the No.10 jersey, it’s expected Kiss will bring in another playmaker ahead of the Springboks Test in a decision that will continue the Wallabies’ long search to find their answer in the role.
Western Force recruit Harry McLaughlin-Phillips looms as a genuine chance to return to the national squad after being called into the group in July following minor injuries to Gordon and Donaldson, which saw Declan Meredith debut and Jock Campbell provide back up against France.
Kiss has several other options, including Tane Edmed, Noah Lolesio, and veterans James O’Connor and Bernard Foley.
Carter Gordon was injured during this tackle. AP Photo/Gustavo Garello
Tom Lynagh, the 23-year-old who wore the No.10 jersey in all three Tests against the British and Irish Lions last year, is also on the comeback trail from his own injury issues with the Queensland Reds.
Indeed, nine.com.au understands that Lynagh will be named in Vern Cotter’s first side for this weekend’s Super Rugby AUS opener against the Western Force at Ballymore.
It comes after an injury-riddled 12 months for the talented playmaker, who featured just once during this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign - a brief 20 minute cameo against the Hurricanes in March.
Lynagh’s return could set up a fascinating head-to-head battle with McLaughlin-Phillips, who left the Reds to join the Force recently because of the growing depth in the No.10 role at the Super Rugby franchise.
McLaughlin-Phillips, 22, featured in 11 matches in 2026.
