Australian sevens captain Lewis Holland ruled out of Commonwealth Games

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This was published 6 years ago

Australian sevens captain Lewis Holland ruled out of Commonwealth Games

By Tom Decent
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Australian men’s sevens captain Lewis Holland has been ruled out of the Commonwealth Games with a hamstring injury in what is another cruel setback for the 25-year-old at a major event.

Holland tweaked his hamstring during Australia’s last World Series leg in Vancouver and last week gave every indication he would fine for the Games next month.

Setback: Australian men's sevens captain Lewis Holland will take no part in the Commonwealth Games next month.

Setback: Australian men's sevens captain Lewis Holland will take no part in the Commonwealth Games next month. Credit: AAP

However, scans have revealed the full extent of the injury, meaning Holland will be sidelined for two months.

Holland is no stranger to injuries around the the time of big tournaments. He tore his hamstring at the 2016 Rio Olympics and just a few months later did his ACL.

One of Australia’s most lethal players, Holland said he was shattered to miss the Games.

“It’s obviously hugely disappointing to miss the Commonwealth Games especially one on home soil but I’m still really confident that lads can go all the way and win gold,” Holland said. “I’ll do everything I can now to help the boys. I’m fine with filling up the water bottles or helping carry the bags.”

Holland is expected to recover in time to play at the World Cup in July.

In the meantime, veteran James Stannard will take over captaincy duties for the Commonwealth Games, with Brandon Quinn set to take Holland’s place in the 13-man Australian squad.

“Quinny has been playing really well lately and he knows his role really well,” Holland said. “We’ve been building over the past two years and this tournament was earmarked a while ago. The lads love playing in front of a home crowd and always rise to the occasion."

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Last week at the Australian team announcement in Sydney, coach Andy Friend spoke about how important Holland was to the campaign.

“He is so instrumental for us as a group, not only his football … but just as a leader and as a person he’s crucial for us,” Friend said. “We’re fingers crossed he’s going to be there. If he’s not, our other leaders will have to step up and fill that void.”

Australia’s men have three practice games against New Zealand on March 29 and 30 at Newington College before some of the squad head off to the Hong Kong Sevens, which begins on April 6.

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