Rebels recruit former Wallabies hooker Charles as injury cover for Uelese

FORMER Wallabies hooker Nathan Charles has returned home to take up a short-term deal with the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby after a year-long stint in the English Premiership.

Charles, the only known professional rugby player with cystic fibrosis, has been drafted in as injury cover for Jordan Uelese who is expected to be sidelined for a month with an arm injury. Hooker Sama Malolo has also returned to international duty with the Junior Wallabies to compete in the Oceania Under-20 Championships.

Charles trained with the Rebels on Tuesday and could slot in to the side for Friday’s home match against the champion Crusaders, a team spokesperson said.

He will be contracted to the Rebels until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old takes up to 30 pills a day to treat cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder with no known cure that causes lung infections and breathing problems.

“We are fortunate to add an experienced player like Nathan to our squad mid-season and we look forward to him adding depth and competition in our hooking ranks,” Rebels general manager of rugby Nick Ryan said in a statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Waratahs back Nick Phipps has been fined after admitting to urinating on a bar while wearing a cow costume during his stag night at a Sydney venue.

The Wallabies scrumhalf was kicked out of the Woollahra Hotel a day after he played in the Waratahs’ 29-0 defeat to the Lions in their Super Rugby match on 20 April.

The Waratahs said they had completed an investigation into the incident and fined the 29-year-old $3 006.

“Phipps’ role as state club captain of the NSW Waratahs has also been suspended and his reinstatement to this role will be monitored by the organisation,” Waratahs chief executive Andrew Hore said.

“I’m a goose, if I’m going to do the crime, I’ll pay the time,” Phipps, pictured, told reporters in Sydney.