Former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot is set to be reunited with a cherished jersey that was stolen from him earlier this year. After returning from a stint in France, Elliot discovered that his storage unit in Hawke’s Bay had been broken into, leading to the theft of approximately a dozen jerseys. These garments held immense sentimental value, representing his time with teams such as the Māori All Blacks, New Zealand under 21s, and even a jersey from the Chiefs’ historic match against the British and Irish Lions in 2017.
Elliot expressed his dismay, stating, “The sentimental value of those jerseys, you can’t put a dollar price on that.” He has since taken it upon himself to locate the jerseys, reaching out to collectors and community members in hopes of recovering them. Despite facing challenges, including difficulty connecting with a seller on Facebook Marketplace, hope remained.
The turning point in this search came thanks to Australian collector Dylan Booth. Booth, who runs an Instagram account dedicated to rugby memorabilia, spotted Elliot’s under 16 jersey at a vintage market. Immediately recognizing its significance, he purchased it for $120 with the intent of returning it to Elliot.
Booth commented on the emotional weight of jerseys in rugby culture, suggesting that if they could tell stories, they would narrate rich histories of their wearers. Elliot was overjoyed when he learned the jersey would be returning to him, expressing gratitude for Booth’s help and the chance to possibly recover more of the stolen items.
Elliot hopes to recover additional jerseys, particularly for his children, granting them the opportunity to share in the memories attached to their father’s storied career. This story illustrates the power of community and the sentimental bond athletes have with their gear, showcasing not only a successful recovery but also a hopeful path to retrieve the remaining stolen memorabilia.
In echoing this positive sentiment, it’s a reminder that even in the face of loss, there are moments of kindness and unexpected reunions that can occur, bringing joy and closure amid challenging circumstances.
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