Ciraldo likely to require surgery

Italy back-rower Cameron Ciraldo will not travel home with team tonight, after suffering an injury in the defeat to Tonga on Sunday.

Ciraldo, 29, is hanging up his boots following the World Cup, but suffered a lacerated pancreas, and is likely to require surgery before being allowed to travel home.

He is set to take up a position in coaching and development at Penrith Panthers following his retirement from playing.

A statement said: “Ciraldo was rushed to hospital by ambulance after complaining of back and stomach problems on arrival after the match at the team’s Leeds headquarters. 

“Italy team manager Reno Santaguida will remain in Leeds to ensure Ciraldo is assisted in his recovery. Penrith coach and New Zealand assistant coach Ivan Cleary is concerned about Ciraldo’s health and will visit him later today. 

“Ciraldo’s parents were at the Shay to see their son’s final game and visited him in hospital late last night.”

Ciraldo has previously played in the NRL for Cronulla and Newcastle, and has spent the past two seasons with Penrith.

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