WALLABIES second-rower James Horwill was last night forced out of the end-of-season tour of Hong Kong and Europe because of his lingering left foot injury.

Horwill has been troubled since the South Africa Test in Perth in June with foot problems, but continued playing through the pain during the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup series. However, a visit to a Brisbane specialist yesterday revealed that damage to his ligament was extensive and that he required immediate surgery.

One of Australia's most dynamic and promising forwards is now likely to be sidelined for at least six months. His unavailability is a tough blow for the Wallabies as the extensive tour was expected to be when Horwill established himself as the next-generation Wallabies second-rower.

Coach Robbie Deans looked upon Horwill as the ideal successor to Dan Vickerman, giving the national team much-needed toughness up front as well as capable leadership skills.

It is still undecided whether a tour replacement will be named. When the Wallabies assemble in Sydney this week, the team management will decide whether to select another second-rower or a utility forward. They may even consider using Hugh McMeniman as a second-rower.

"It is disappointing news for James but playing on this injury is not an option," Deans said yesterday. "The injury has been given plenty of time to settle, but hasn't."

¡ The 2009 Tri Nations will kick off in Auckland on July 18 with a Test between New Zealand and Australia and finish with a fixture between the same teams in Wellington on September 19.