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Australia Sevens captain Hutchison injures both knees

3 minute read

In the space of a week, Australia Sevens stand-in captain Henry Hutchison has suffered two knee injuries, broken some ribs, and sprained his wrist.

Stand-in Australia captain Henry Hutchison will miss the rest of this year's Sevens World Series rugby competition after being battered with four injuries in the space of a week.

Hutchison sprained his wrist and broke several ribs during the Sevens tournament in Hamilton in late January.

A week later, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, and injured his right knee while playing against Argentina at the Sevens event in Sydney.

The ACL tear has ruled him out for the rest of the season, meaning he'll miss events in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Hong Kong, Singapore, Toulouse and London.

Hutchison had stepped into the captaincy role following an ankle injury to Nick Malouf, who could return for the event in Los Angeles on February 25-26.

The Australian men's Sevens side currently sit eighth in the rankings, with the top four teams to earn automatic qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"Obviously with the 2023 World Series being an Olympic qualifying year, I'm super disappointed that I won't be able to contribute any further on the field," Hutchison said in a statement.

"However, I'll be doing everything in my power to contribute to the team in a positive way.

"I'm hoping that my injury gives new boys the opportunity to develop their game and add new depth to our squad.

"There are a lot of talented footballers on this side. I'm anticipating that someone will step up and get the job done in my absence."

Hutchison, 25, will undergo surgery for his multiple injuries on Monday.

"One of the biggest challenges for me over the next 9-12 months will be keeping my mind active and staying focused," Hutchison said.

"The training and the rehabilitation will be the easy part - the mental endurance required for recovery will be the focus area for me.

"Injuries are a part of football - they come with the territory. This is the biggest setback I've faced in my career to date, but I have full faith in the rehabilitation team I'm working with. I know they will go above and beyond in getting me back to my pre-injury state.

"I aim to come back to rugby a better player and a better athlete, mentally refreshed and ready to roll into a big 2024."

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