Waratahs and Wallaroos playmaker Arabella McKenzie admits the team were gutted by the news backrower Emily Chancellor will not feature again in 2024 after tearing her ACL.
Chancellor suffered the injury during the opening round of the Super Rugby W season after making a break and stepping back inside just before half-time.
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The 31-year-old went down in contact but incredibly still had the awareness to pop the ball to Piper Duck for the try, before limping off the field.
It will see the backrower miss the extended Test calendar, including WXV in October.
"Gutted I’ve torn my ACL and out for the year. I have heard a lot about the journey back and coming back bigger and better and I have no doubt in my mind that I will do just that," she said in a statement.
"I believe things happen for a reason and as much as I don’t want to be in this position, I’m sure that I will reflect on this recovery and return as a growth opportunity.
"I’m excited for all of the new challenges and areas I will explore and to get stronger, fitter, and more skilful. I’m going to miss being on the field this year and it will hurt but I’m ready for it (I think)."
It was Chancellor's first game back after returning from a stint in Japan after the WXV competition.
"It's just heartbreaking, almost gut wrenching," McKenzie told Rugby.com.au
"She's a massive part of our team but just like anyone, once you are a Waratah, you always are a Waratah so the girls have fully got behind 'Chance.'
"We knew she'll come back bigger and stronger and she's got a lot of off field passions that I think she's pretty keen to keep diving into and exploring.
"Her presence will be felt on the team but I think it's one more opportunity for a young girl coming through as well to look at a silver lining."
The Waratahs have also lost Annabelle Codey (finger) until towards the end of the regular season, however, this is offset by the inclusion of Kaitlan Leaney after her return from Harlequins.
