Summary Higginbotham was forced out of the Wallabies squad for the upcoming three-test series.
SYDNEY (AP) - Australia backrower Scott Higginbotham needs surgery on his right shoulder and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of 2013.
Higginbotham was forced out of the Wallabies squad for the upcoming three-test series against the British and Irish Lions after dislocating his shoulder making a tackle in the Melbourne Rebels loss to the Queensland Reds on the weekend.
The Australian Rugby Union issued a statement Wednesday saying scans revealed extensive ligament damage and Higginbotham would need a full shoulder reconstruction.
The ARU said Higginbotham was not expected to be fit to return to play until the start of the 2014 Super Rugby season.
Higginbotham, who has 23 test caps, has been one of the form backrowers in the Super Rugby competition this season.
