After a significant opening round win the Magic have suffered a significant loss, with midcourter Courtney Tairi ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Tairi was forced from the court early on in the final quarter of the Magic's narrow 45-44 win over theThunderbirds in Adelaide on Saturday, and was visibly upset after the match. Scans today confirmed she has suffered a full rupture of the tendon. It is the second major injury to impact the Magic camp, with captain Casey Kopua ruled out late last year with a serious 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.
Tairi, a three-test Silver Fern, said she is devastated by the injury.
"I'm absolutely gutted to be out for the season. I was really looking to build on the great season I had with the Kia Magic last year - my first with the franchise - and I'd assumed even more of a leadership role this year," said Tairi.
"But that's sport and I have no doubt the team will handle this set back, just as well as they've handled the other injuries we're managing at the moment."
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.
"Foremost I really feel for Courtney and what she's having to come to terms with right now. But we have such a strong team culture and bond and we'll make sure she gets all the support she needs. Her contribution to this team is invaluable both on and off court and we'll continue to use her leadership," said Fitzgerald.
"We seem to be having more than our share of injuries at present but we can't control that or dwell on it. What we can control is how we react, and we'll be even more determined to play hard for our injured players."
