Image: Jeff Crow.

Team Australia’s Jay Wilson has been ruled out of the 2015 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at Ernee, France, this weekend after sustaining an injury in Europe this week.

Wilson, who just recently clinched the Australian MX Nationals crown, has made the decision to pull out of the event in order to allow Motorcycling Australia (MA) time to draft in an MX2 replacement.

“I’m absolutely gutted,” Wilson announced via social media overnight. “After long discussions with the doctors here in Europe, I have been forced to withdraw from the 2015 MX of Nations.

“On Monday afternoon while testing, I had a very small crash and fell on a rock, which ripped open the side of my stomach and tore my stomach muscles.

“Given that I now have an open wound and with high risk of infection, I am no longer able to represent Australia in the MX2 class at the MXoN in France this weekend.

“With there still being a number of days until the event kicks off, I wanted to make the decision to withdraw early to ensure Australia has the opportunity to fill my position and to give both Todd Waters and Dean Ferris the best chance possible to have a successful weekend.

“The MXoN is a team event and it would be selfish of me to turn up behind the eight ball. This is without a doubt one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my career and, although I am hugely disappointed, Australia deserves to have a 100 percent healthy team representing our country on the weekend.

“Thank you to Josh Coppins and Mike Ward for being there for me, and for helping me in making what has been a tough, but right decision for everyone.”

MA, which didn’t name reserve riders in the initial team announcement, has yet to confirm who, if anybody, will take over from Wilson alongside Waters and Ferris this weekend.

Update: MotoOnline.com.au has confirmed with Serco Yamaha’s Luke Clout that he will represent Australia as Wilson’s replacement in MX2, due to fly out to France today. Click here for our breaking news story including comments from the 2014 national champion.