The experienced Sharpe is a key player for the Wallabies

Australia lock Nathan Sharpe will miss his side's forthcoming tour of Britain and Ireland after failing to overcome a shoulder injury.

Sharpe, 31, picked up the injury six weeks ago but it has failed to recover and he will now have an operation.

"I gave it as best a shot as I could but it didn't work out," he said.

The Wallabies play Tests against England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales in consecutive weeks and will name their 35-man squad for the tour on Friday.

Sharpe is Australia's number one lock and trained with the team at Sydney's St Ignatius College this week in a bid to prove his fitness.

606: DEBATE How much of a blow is this to Australia?

"I've just been trying to manage it and get it right for this trip," added Sharpe, who picked up the injury in a Test match against New Zealand in August.

"There's no point going on a tour like this and being a passenger. I'm only going to let the rest of the guys down."

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans conceded that the absence of Sharpe is a blow to his team.

"It's obviously an area where we're not over-endowed with depth so it is a blow," said Deans.

"It would have been nice to have had him there but it's an opportunity for someone else now."

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