Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Hirini faces a race against time to regain fitness for the Paris Olympics, after undergoing surgery on the knee injured at Dubai this month.
The inspirational skipper suffered the anterior cruciate ligament injury during poolplay at the team's opening tournament of the new season and tearfully parted ways with her teammates, when they travelled on to Cape Town.
Hirini now has just eight months to return to the team, before they try to defend their Olympic crown. Typically, a torn ACL requires 6-9 months for recovery.
"First and foremost, our thoughts are with her, as she begins her rehab journey," says coach Cory Weeney. "She is a special athlete and human.
"We will work closely with her and the medical staff to hopefully see her return to the field next year."
Without Hirini, the Ferns have been off the pace in the world series, with their 41-game winning streak snapped by Australia in the Dubai final.
Seven days later, they fell to France in the Cape Town semis, before beating USA for third.
Hirini, 31, was also instrumental in the Black Ferns' 2022 World Cup 15-a-side success and has posted on Facebook from her hospital bed.
"ACL surgery all done," she said. "Appreciate everyone that has reached out and messaged.
"Ready for the tough road ahead."
Next stop on the World Rugby sevens circuit is Perth on January 26-28.
