Imagine going head-to-head with an All Black and coming away with a souvenir stitched across your face! That's exactly what happened to Bay of Plenty captain Kurt Eklund, who endured a harrowing facial injury requiring 60 stitches after a rough encounter during a rugby quarter-final clash.
The incident unfolded in a high-stakes NPC game against Tasman, where Eklund, a formidable hooker for the Maori All Blacks and the Blues, made a tactical move to tackle David Havili. Havili, a seasoned All Blacks and Crusaders player, was charging from the full-back position, adding intensity to the already fiery match. The tackle, which occurred 30 minutes into the game, turned chaotic when Lucas Cashmore, Eklund’s teammate, joined the fray, inadvertently causing Eklund to take a boot to the face.
The aftermath was gruesome but not game-ending, as the Bay of Plenty team soldiered on to a 27-7 victory. Despite the physical setback, Eklund’s spirits remained high, as reflected in his post-game social media update.
"Letting you know I’m all good,"
he assured fans in an Instagram video, showcasing the extent of his injuries.
"Thank you very much for the messages of support. 60 stitches to the face, which is never very fun, but I am very proud of the boys, and I can’t wait to see them go again next week. So thanks to everyone who turned out today, and we go again."
The injury did have a tactical impact on the field, however. In the immediate aftermath, Havili exploited the gap left by the injured Eklund with a strategic kick, assisting Kyren Taumoefolau in scoring a try that momentarily put Tasman ahead. Nonetheless, Bay of Plenty recalibrated and dominated the second half, ensuring their advance to the semi-finals where they are set to face Otago. Meanwhile, the other semi-final will see Canterbury take on Hawke’s Bay.
This brutal encounter not only highlights the physical sacrifices players make but also underscores the raw passion and resilience inherent in rugby. Eklund’s ordeal and his team's subsequent triumph serve as a testament to the rugged beauty and unyielding spirit of the sport.
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Imagine going head-to-head with an All Black and coming away with a souvenir stitched across your face! That's exactly what happened to Bay of Plenty captain Kurt Eklund, who endured a harrowing facial injury requiring 60 stitches after a rough encounter during a rugby quarter-final clash.
The incident unfolded in a high-stakes NPC game against Tasman, where Eklund, a formidable hooker for the Maori All Blacks and the Blues, made a tactical move to tackle David Havili. Havili, a seasoned All Blacks and Crusaders player, was charging from the full-back position, adding intensity to the already fiery match. The tackle, which occurred 30 minutes into the game, turned chaotic when Lucas Cashmore, Eklund’s teammate, joined the fray, inadvertently causing Eklund to take a boot to the face.
The aftermath was gruesome but not game-ending, as the Bay of Plenty team soldiered on to a 27-7 victory. Despite the physical setback, Eklund’s spirits remained high, as reflected in his post-game social media update.
"Letting you know I’m all good,"
he assured fans in an Instagram video, showcasing the extent of his injuries."Thank you very much for the messages of support. 60 stitches to the face, which is never very fun, but I am very proud of the boys, and I can’t wait to see them go again next week. So thanks to everyone who turned out today, and we go again."
The injury did have a tactical impact on the field, however. In the immediate aftermath, Havili exploited the gap left by the injured Eklund with a strategic kick, assisting Kyren Taumoefolau in scoring a try that momentarily put Tasman ahead. Nonetheless, Bay of Plenty recalibrated and dominated the second half, ensuring their advance to the semi-finals where they are set to face Otago. Meanwhile, the other semi-final will see Canterbury take on Hawke’s Bay.
This brutal encounter not only highlights the physical sacrifices players make but also underscores the raw passion and resilience inherent in rugby. Eklund’s ordeal and his team's subsequent triumph serve as a testament to the rugged beauty and unyielding spirit of the sport.