Rugby: Lottery for Lote Tuqiri

Injured winger Lote Tuqiri will remain with the Wallabies until the end of their European rugby tour - even if he is unable to play a match.

Tuqiri has not played since undergoing knee surgery after Australia's 28-24 loss to New Zealand in mid-September and was only cleared to make the six-week tour the day before the Wallabies departed.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans yesterday said the dual international was not even close to gaining selection for the Cook Cup test at Twickenham.

"He's just starting to work on the field and starting to do more rugby-specific work," Deans said.