The New Zealand Women’s Sevens team has been forced to make a late change to its Rugby World Cup squad in Dubai after Exia Edwards was ruled out of the tournament.
Edwards, from Bay of Plenty, had been struck ill soon after arriving in Dubai and has been diagnosed with a suspected kidney infection. She is being treated in hospital in Dubai.
Her replacement, Auckland’s Angela McGregor, will join the squad in Dubai on Thursday. The inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens starts on Friday.
New Zealand Women’s Sevens coach Darryl Suasua said the main concern presently was for Edwards’ health and ensuring she gets the care she needs and can return to New Zealand as soon as possible.
“It’s naturally a huge disappointment for Exia after all the hard work she has put in to prepare for this tournament. But right now, the focus is on getting her back to health.”
McGregor had been part of the RWC Sevens training squad and will take Edwards’ place in the team.
“We will miss Exia’s experience but Angela has been with us right up until we named the squad so will fit in with the team well.”
The updated New Zealand Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens squad is: Julie Ferguson (Hawke’s Bay) Victoria Grant (Auckland), Carla Hohepa (Otago), Linda Itunu (Auckland), Justine Lavea (Auckland), Angela McGregor (Auckland), Huriana Manuel (Auckland), Hannah Porter (Captain, Auckland), Teresa Te Tamaki (Auckland), Renee Wickliffe (Counties Manukau), Rachel Wikeepa (Waikato), Selica Winiata (Manawatu).
The 2009 Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens takes place in Dubai from 6-7 March.
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