Ruby Tui's return home from the Sunshine Coast after coming down with the mumps is a loss both on and off the field that's made the squad stronger, says the Women's sevens coach.
Tui has returned to New Zealand after she came down with the highly infectious mumps last week, forcing the women's team to train isolation and delay their arrival on the Gold Coast.
Speaking to 1 NEWS today, coach Allan Bunting said the team did not miss any trainings while in isolation.
"It's actually made a stronger in a few ways and helped us grow in a few ways. We're on target for goal."
Although the team are ready for competition, losing Tui will have its impacts on an off the field.
"Off the field she's the heart and soul of our culture also.
"She gives all of our players the courage to express themselves."
Portia Woodman told 1 NEWS the team were more concerned for Tui's wellbeing than anything.
"The biggest concern was just around ruby and making sure she's all good."
Coming out of isolation and arriving in the Gold Coast they were greeted by special welcome haka from the Men's Sevens team.
"It was nice, we felt like because we weren't in the village, weren't going to get the official welcoming, we were a little bit gutted, but when we saw the boys there is was awesome, it was a nice feeling."
Looking to Friday Bunting says the team are "going to represent New Zealand to the best we can and make our families and our country proud.”
And as for Tui, she told Bunting she wanted to get home, recover and work hard so she can be back playing with the team.
SHARE ME