O’Brien was injured when training on Tuesday and went for an MRI scan which confirmed she had suffered an acute complete rupture of her right Achilles tendon. 

The 21-year-old is in her second year of Super Netball after making her debut last season with the Swifts.

“First and foremost I am shattered for Claire as she has worked so hard to gain a place in our roster at such a young age,” Head Coach Briony Akle said.

“She has been the ultimate professional on and off the court and been really vital to our successes this season.

"One of our strengths has been our ability to rotate the bench during games and Claire fitted in seamlessly to that game plan.

“This is a cruel blow and I know all the players and staff at the Swifts and Netball NSW are feeling for her at this time,” she said.

Recovery from the injury is up to 12 months.