New Zealand captain Casey Kopua ruled out of netball for six months

New Zealand captain Casey Kopua is expected to be out of action for six months after dislocating her kneecap during her side's defeat to Australia at the weekend.

The club have confirmed that Kopua ruptured her patella tendon during the Silver Ferns' 47-34 loss to the Aussies in Sydney.

Kopua's place in next year's World Cup Down Under appears to be in doubt as she prepares to undergo surgery to repair the tendon tomorrow, according to The New Zealand Herald.

The 29-year-old became New Zealand's most capped skipper on Saturday evening.