Lionel Mapoe’s run of bad luck continues after he was ruled out of any action at this year’s Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens with an ankle injury.

For a player who was more in the headlines off the field following a contractual tussle between the Cheetahs and Sharks over his services, Mapoe was to use the return to the field as a boost after not playing since March.

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But while he made the trip with the SA Vipers to the Sri Lankan Sevens and was due to play for the SA second side – the Marauders – in the International Invitation Sevens here in Dubai which runs concurrently to the IRB competition, he has now pulled out before the competition even has begun.

Mapoe was injured in the Super 14 and missed the majority of the competition because of a shoulder complaint. This time around it is an ankle injury that will keep him off the field.

“That’s it, my year is over,” a disappointed Mapoe said from Dubai on his facebook page, keeping a low profile in the desert city.

Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu was understandably disappointed by the development, as Mapoe was set to be drafted back into the team for the George Sevens next week.

“Lionel has been struggling after being out for so long,” Treu told SuperSport.com, “And now he is injured. It is difficult for him, especially after not playing for such a long time and disappointing for us as we would have liked to use him in George.”

Mapoe recently ended his contractual dispute by agreeing to terms with the Lions for next year’s Super 15 tournament.