Former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot is set to be reunited with a cherished item that carries significant sentimental value. Earlier this year, Elliot returned from his time in France only to discover that his storage unit in Hawke’s Bay had been broken into, resulting in the theft of a box containing around a dozen of his old rugby jerseys. Notable among the stolen items were jerseys from the Māori All Blacks, New Zealand under 21s, Hurricanes, and a unique Chiefs jersey worn during a match against the British and Irish Lions in 2017.
The loss was particularly heartbreaking for Elliot, who described the emotional importance of these jerseys, stating, “The sentimental value of those jerseys, you can’t put a dollar price on that.” He decided to take action by reaching out to collectors and leveraging social media to track down the stolen items. His efforts briefly led to a promising lead when one of his jerseys appeared on a Facebook marketplace listing, but unfortunately, he received no response from the seller, further compounding his disappointment.
However, the story took a hopeful turn thanks to Dylan Booth, a New Zealand collector residing on Australia’s Gold Coast. Booth, who runs an Instagram account dedicated to rugby memorabilia, stumbled upon the jersey at a vintage market. After some investigation confirming its identity, he purchased the jersey for $120, believing it was meant to return to its rightful owner.
For Booth, this act was more than a transaction; it was about honoring the rugby community and preserving its history. He expressed happiness at being able to facilitate the return of such a meaningful item to Elliot.
Elliot was overjoyed upon learning the news that his jersey had been found, comparing the moment to an early Christmas gift. He has also received inquiries from other collectors regarding the remaining jerseys that were stolen, increasing his hope of recovering more items, particularly for his children.
This story underscores the power of community and the passionate nature of sports fandom. With the help of dedicated individuals like Booth, there is still hope for restoring lost memories and cherished possessions, proving that sometimes good deeds lead to positive outcomes.
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