Magic lose Tairi for season

The positive start to Kia Magic's season has been dealt a blow after medical scans revealed a full rupture to Courtney Tairi's left achilles tendon.

The major injury has effectively ended her ANZ Championship season.


Courtney Tairi has been sidelined for the season.

The quality centre, with Silver Ferns experience, has been left devastated by the injury, but is remaining positive from a Kia Magic perspective.

'I'm absolutely gutted to be out for the season,” says Tairi. 'I was really looking to build on the great season I had with the Kia Magic last year – my first with the franchise – and I'd assumed even more of a leadership role this year.

'But that's sport and I have no doubt the team will handle this set back, just as well as they've handled the other injuries we're managing at the moment.

'I'll be giving the girls my full support and passing on as much knowledge as I can from the sidelines. Thank you to everyone for all the support I've received – it means the world to me.”

Kia Magic coach Julie Fitzgerald is also trying to look on the bright-side, despite a mounting injury toll.

Julie says: 'Foremost, I really feel for Courtney and what she's having to come to terms with right now.

'But we have such a strong team culture and bond and we'll make sure she gets all the support she needs. Her contribution to this team is invaluable both on-and-off court and we'll continue to use her leadership.

'From a Kia Magic perspective, we seem to be having more than our share of injuries at present but we can't control that or dwell on it.

'What we can control is how we react, and we'll be even more determined to play hard for our injured players.”

Tairi is due to undergo surgery on Thursday, while Kia Magic coaching and management staff will take some time to consider playing roster implications.

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