Two Suburbs player have endured rare medical events in the last two weeks. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the players and their whānau. We are monitoring their progress closely and we wish them both a full and speedy recovery. We are also thinking of their Suburbs Rugby Club teammates and all of those who witnessed these events. It’s a unsettling time for everyone involved and we have connected with theNZ Rugby Foundation who have already reached out to those affected.

We cannot thank enough the first responders who rushed to the aid of both players and whose quick and courageous response no doubt contributed to their stable conditions

Thousands of players enjoy taking part in rugby every week and we are fortunate that events of this nature are extremely rare. We are proud of the care, compassion and bravery shown in the days following these events and know you will join us in sending aroha to the players on their journey to recovery.

Since the incidents’ occurred, Auckland Rugby has been in ongoing contact with Suburbs Rugby Club and with the whānau of both players. Our priority is the wellbeing of the players and we understand they are receiving the best possible care in their recovery.From the updates we have received, both men are making good progress to recovery. The NZ Rugby Foundation, who are specialists in providing support to player and families when a player is seriously injuredare in contact with both families to offer  support directly, and to those impacted more widely.

We cannot  comment on the causes of these isolated incidents until we receive more information and out of respect for the privacy of the players and their whānau.

Our heartfelt thoughts and concerns are with the players and their whānau and with Suburbs Rugby Club whose members are navigating an unprecedented and unsettling time dealing with concurrent medical events. We would also like to thank the first responders whose quick and courageous reactions have no doubt contributed to both players now being in a stable condition.

We know the wider rugby community joins us in sending our well wishes to those affected and hopes for both players to make a full and speedy recovery.

Thousands of players enjoy taking part in rugby every week and we are fortunate that events of this nature are extremely rare.  Auckland Rugby is committed to providing safe and enjoyable rugby experiences for all who take the field.

Article added: Monday 26 June 2023