Injury rules Halligan out of Rescue 2014

Injury has ruled Devon Halligan out of Rescue 2014, the Lifesaving World Championships, creating a last minute change to the team line-up.

The Midway Surf Life Saving Club member has had to withdraw due to an ankle injury.

She will be replaced by High Performance Squad member Natalie Peat from Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club.

New Zealand Team Coach Scott Bartlett says Devon sustained an injury four weeks ago. Since then, she has had the best possible medical and physio support and she had made great progress.

"But after much discussion with Devon and the team management on Saturday night, it was decided that Devon will not head to France as her injury has not improved enough, he says.

"It's obviously very disappointing for her and her team mates but it's important that we look long term for her career and enable her time to heal properly. We are pleased to have Natalie on board and we know that she will give the competition her all."

Peat is no stranger to international competition. She was part of New Zealand Youth team for Rescue 2012 in Adelaide and last year, she travelled with the New Zealand Team to the International Surf Rescue Challenge in Japan.

The Black Fins, along with the NZ Youth team, depart from Auckland Airport at midday today and will arrive in Paris tomorrow.

Rescue 2014 runs from September 13-26 with the national team's competition running from September 16-21.

Visit /calendar/2014/september/rescue-2014/ for more information about the event and follow our teams here on Facebook. 

New Zealand Team:

Natasha Hind- Lyall Bay
Samantha Lee- Lyall Bay
Chanel Hickman- Mairangi Bay
Danielle McKenzie- Mairangi Bay
Laura Quilter- Wainui
Natalie Peat- Papamoa
Steven Kent- Titahi Bay
Andrew McMillan- St Clair
Paul Cracroft Wilson- Fitzroy
Cory Taylor- Midway
Max Beattie- Omanu
Chris Dawson- Midway

Scott Bartlett- Coach
Jason Pocock- Assistant Coach
Mark Weatherall- Manager
Steven Vaughan- Assistant Manager
Susan Pirret- Physiotherapist
Dr Caroline Stuart- Sports Doctor (non-traveling)

New Zealand Youth Team:

Kelsi Boocock - Red Beach
Maia Bryant - Papamoa
Ben Cochrane - Omanu
Olivia Eaton - Mt Maunganui
Jacob Hales - Papamoa
Jake Hurley - Mairangi Bay
Ben Johnston - Papamoa
Matthew Scott - Midway
Jasmine Smith - Wainui
Andrew Trembath - St Clair
Brittany Tucker - Sumner
Hannah Williams - Piha

Kurt Wilson- Coach
Jonelle Quane- Assistant Coach
Brent Wilson- Manager
Mike Ellis- Physiotherapist

For more information please contact: 

Lisa Honeybone, Media & Communications Specialist, SLSNZ
Phone 09 303 9335 or 0276 488 823
Email lisa.honeybone@surflifesaving.org.nz