The Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic have lost centre Courtney Tairi for the trans-Tasman netball championship season after she suffered an achilles injury.
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magics' Courtney Tairi looks to pass the ball in the ANZ Championship. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tairi suffered the injury in the Magic's 45-44 win over the Adelaide Thunderbirds on Saturday.
Medical scans have confirmed a full rupture to her left achilles tendon.
The quality centre with Silver Ferns experience is naturally devastated by the injury on a personal note, but remaining positive from a Magic perspective.
She says she's absolutely gutted to be out for the season.... she was really looking to build on the great season I had with the Magic last year - my first with the franchise - and I'd assumed even more of a leadership role this year.
Tairi says she'll be giving the girls her full support and passing on as much knowledge as she can from the sidelines.
Magic coach Julie Fitzgerald was saddened to hear confirmation of the rupture but tried to remain on the bright-side, despite a mounting injury toll.
Fitzgerald says they have such a strong team culture and bond and they'll make sure she gets all the support she needs.
She says they seem to be having more than their share of injuries at present but they can't control that or dwell on it.
The Magic are without Casey Kopua who is recovering from a knee injury.
Tairi is due to undergo surgery on Thursday, while Magic coaching and management staff will take some time to consider playing roster implications.