Pama Fou has been ruled out of the Rio Olympics, in a cruel twist of fate for the Sevens star.
Fou ruptured his ACL in an unlucky accident at his home, ending his dream of travelling to Rio.
The 25-year-old had only recently returned from a shoulder injruy that kept him sidelined for six months and was making positive progress as Olympic selection neared.
It's the latest in a week of unlucky injuries, with Henry Speight also suffering a knee injury, though his was in training.
Sevens coach Andy Friend said the team would be wrapping their arms around Fou as he works his way back from the injury, set to keep him out for nine months.
"We’re all devastated for Pama. Clearly he is shattered himself and it is a bitter blow after the hard work he had put in during rehab following his shoulder injury," he said.
“Pama is a hugely popular player within the dressing room and, as a program, we’ll be doing everything we can to support him.
“What with Henry’s [Speight] knee on Tuesday, and now Pama, it’s fair to say it’s not been the best of weeks on the injury front but this now provides a new opportunity for a champion to emerge - and we have a group of players willing to put their hand up to be that champion."
In more positive news for the Aussie Sevens, star playmaker Lewis Holland (ankle) is set to return to full training next week, while Nick Malouf and Tom Cusack are on track to compete for an Olympic spot, despite a number of injury set backs.
Friend will pick a squad of 16 to take to a training camp in Darwin next week, as crunch time for Olympic selection looms.
