Jesse Parahi will replace James Stannard as Australian men’s Sevens captain for the Commonwealth Games after the veteran player was coward punched last Friday.

Stan-nard has been released from hospital after being knocked unconscious outside a kebab shop just after 3am last Friday in Sydney.

The 35‑year‑old is expected to make a full recovery but has been ruled out of the Commonwealth Games.

Coach Andy Friend described it as “devastating”.

Parahi will take over the captaincy duties after Lewis Holland was also ruled out of the Games last month.

The Commonwealth Games will be officially opened at 9.30 tonight.

The games will start from tomorrow while the 7s competition will start next Friday.