Rugby: Parkinson out of Games sevens squad

A wrist injury has forced dynamic North Harbour and New Zealand Maori flanker Matua Parkinson out of the rugby sevens Commonwealth Games squad.

Parkinson is the third player to drop out of the 23-strong squad because of injury. Rico Gear broke an ankle playing for NZ Maori against the NZ Barbarians last Saturday and speedster Joe Rokocoko broke a leg playing at the world under-21 championship in South Africa.

Coach Gordon Tietjens will not seek replacements for the injured trio.

The squad assembles on July 5 for training and the final 12-member team will be named on July 10.