Australian Men’s Sevens veteran and former captain Ed Jenkins has undergone a shoulder reconstruction this week.
Having originally torn a tendon in his left shoulder in the opening round of the Series in Dubai, Jenkins then dislocated it in Singapore last month.
Following Dubai, he unsuccessfully attempted to play the Cape Town tournament and did not take part in Wellington or Sydney, wanting to ensure the problem was not aggravated by returning to the field too soon.
At the Sydney Sevens in February, he spoke of the frustration of not being able to play but wanting to make sure all was right with the shoulder before he did.
“It’s a process of ticking all the boxes and making sure it’s right before I get out on the field – the worse thing I could do is tear it completely which would mean surgery straight away,“ said Jenkins.
Unfortunately, having recovered to play in the three tournaments following Sydney, day one in Singapore saw it all come undone. In a heavy tackle contest, Jenkins completely dislocated the same shoulder and took no further part in the tournament.
He will be in full rehab mode until pre-season begins for the 2017/2018 World series later in the year, hoping to be back for Round One in Dubai to kick off the new season.
Also on the injury list is Aussie Women’s speedster Ellia Green who went down during play on the final day in Japan last month, consequently missing the game in which the Aussies successfully secured the Bronze medal against Fiji.
The rehab road now begins in earnest.
With a busy schedule rolling into 2018, Green will be working hard to be back to full fitness as quickly as possible.
Australia kick off their campaign at the French Sevens in Paris this Saturday at 6:22pm against Russia, with matches aired LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
