Kodi Harman's run of bad luck with injuries has continued after a leg injury ruled him out of next month's 2015 Sanyo Cup in Japan.

The Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club member, who would've lead the charge in the beach sprints, has failed to recover in time for the prestigious competition.

Papamoa's Kodi Harman, right, on his way to victory in the 2014 national beach sprint championships. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services.

New Zealand Team coach Jason Pocock says Kodi made the unfortunate decision to rule himself out as he did not feel he would be able to put in 100 per cent prior to the tournament.

'He also doesn't want to let the rest of the NZ selection team down,” says Pocock.

He has been replaced by sprinter Jake Hurley from Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

Hurley, 18, recently marked his best-ever national championship performance, collecting four gold medals.

He won the Under-19 beach flags title on the first day before snatching three more titles in quick succession late on the second day, including a rare Under-19 and open beach sprint double.

He has also been named in the New Zealand Youth Team to compete at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in Australia in September.

Jason says it's disappointing that Kodi won't be able to compete in Japan.

'But it's important for him to focus on his long-term career and make sure he gives his leg time to heal properly,” he adds.

'We are excited to have Jake on board and we know he will be an excellent addition to our team.”

It's another blow to Harman after a hamstring injury denied him the chance to defend his national beach sprint and flags titles at the New Zealand surf lifesaving championships earlier this year.

In 2014, he became only the sixth man to win the beach flags/sprint double, and can also lay claim to the title of New Zealand's fastest man.

The 21-year-old flyer won his first senior 100m title at the New Zealand track and field championships in Wellington, clocking 10.47 seconds ahead of Auckland's James Mortimer (10.62) and Alex Jordan (Wellington), who was third on 10.65.

Surf lifesaving helped launch his athletics career and he came away with a beach sprint bronze at the 2014 world championships in France.

The 2015 Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup is being held in Aoshima Beach, Miyazaki, Japan from July 19-20.

The team of eight athletes leaving for Japan on July 16 features Max Beattie of Omanu and Papamoa's Ben Johnston, with events including the Surf Race, Board Race, Oceanman/woman, Beach Flags, Beach Sprint, Board Rescue Tube Rescue, Oceanwoman Relay and Beach Relay.