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Black Ferns star Portia Woodman ruptures Achilles

November 16, 2018
Portia Woodman of New Zealand looks on. Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Rugby Sevens, Robina Stadium, Gold Coast, Australia. 14 April 2018 © Copyright Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung / www.photosport.nz

Portia Woodman has been ruled out of the upcoming Dubai Sevens tournament for the Black Ferns after rupturing her Achilles in training earlier this week.

The Black Ferns Sevens side will also be without star Niall Williams who hasn't recovered from a knee injury.

Woodman is set to undergo surgery today. 

Gayle Broughton and Stacey Waaka have been called into the squad and will meet the team in Dubai straight from the Black Ferns XVs tour in France.

Youth Olympics Games skipper Risi Pouri-Lan has been called into the squad that travels to the United Arab Emirates tomorrow. 

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"It is a big loss but at the same time it's a chance to develop our depth and we’ll see Shakira Baker, Stacey Waaka and Alena Saili step up and get more game time," said Black Ferns Sevens coach Allan Bunting.

"Gayle comes back in and she is looking sharp as usual and Stacey has been with the Black Ferns, she still has one Test match to play and then she’ll join us, have a chance to recover and then get back into sevens.

"Risi has been with us for a year now and has been really growing as an athlete. She's coming off a great campaign at the Youth Olympic Games so we are looking forward to her getting out there and having a crack."

Black Ferns Sevens squad:

Shakira Baker (Waikato)
Michaela Blyde (Bay of Plenty)
Kelly Brazier (Bay of Plenty)
Gayle Broughton (Taranaki)
Theresa Fitzpatrick (Auckland)
Sarah Goss (captain) (Manawatu)
Tyla Nathan-Wong (Auckland)
Risi Pouri-Lane (Tasman)
Alena Saili (Southland)
Terina Te Tamaki (Waikato)
Ruby Tui (Bay of Plenty)
Stacey Waaka (Waikato)
Katarina Whata-Simpkins (Wellington)

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