Australia Sevens captain Bella Nasser is shrugging off her finger injury as she looks to lead the team to the title.
Nasser missed the last regular season event after breaking her finger in the semi-final in Hong Kong.
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Incredibly, the skipper soldiered on and featured in the Final before returning to Australia for surgery.
“I don't actually remember doing it. It wasn't until the adrenaline settled down and then I felt a sore finger,” she told rugby.com.au
“I've had surgery and I'm recovering well, so I'll be good to go for LA.
“I haven't really thought about it too much while I'm out on the field. It's more about icing it and recovering it properly off the field, so I'm good to go on the field.”
Nasser has had a special 2024/25 season, taking over the Australian captaincy from Charlotte Caslick.
The 22-year-old tasted success early with title wins in Dubai and Perth, eager to add a third at the World Championships/Grand Final in Australia.
“I'm so honoured to be captaining this side and I feel really lucky to have the support of the coaching staff and then all the girls around me.
“Winning at home soil, winning in Dubai was pretty special and hopefully we do one better than what we have in Hong Kong and Singapore.”
Nasser has been forced to step up as a leader with a host of experienced players missing time throughout the year.
Caslick has moved onto the 15s program, whilst key leaders Madison Ashby and Demi Hayes have missed multiple tournaments this year, leaving Nasser to skipper the youngest Australian side in team history.
“It's definitely been like a pretty big step up from just being a player in the team,” Nasser admits.
“I think the support from them back home was always there, and we always knew that.
“I think they're such important players in our team and I'm really excited to see Demi back in LA and then the other two back in next season.”
