New Zealand sevens veteran Tim Mikkelson has been ruled out of the New Zealand sevens with a groin injury.

Mikkelson had been in doubt since suffering the injury in training on Monday, but coach Gordon Tietjens had been hopeful he would be OK after two days of rest.

It is unclear who will replace the 2013 world sevens player of the year.

Tietjens said he has lost his best player overnight.

The New Zealand 7's kicks off this Friday with Fiji taking on Portugal at 12.03pm, face Wales at 2.58pm before taking on Australia at 5.54pm in their last pool game.

The Cup quarterfinals will start at 12.28pm Saturday, the Cup semi finals will be at 4.12pm while the Cup final kicks off at 7.55pm Saturday.

Source: stuff