Former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot is preparing to be reunited with one of his most prized possessions—his stolen jersey. This heartwarming story, however, begins with a devastating theft.
Earlier this year, after returning from playing in France, Elliot was dismayed to find that his storage unit in Hawke’s Bay had been broken into, resulting in the loss of around a dozen jerseys. Among those stolen were significant pieces, including jerseys from his representation in the Māori All Blacks and New Zealand’s under 21s and under 19s, as well as jerseys from the Hurricanes, a critical 2005 NPC final game with Hawke’s Bay, and various international teams such as Ireland, England, and the Wallabies. One of the most tragic losses for Elliot was a jersey worn during a match against the British and Irish Lions by the Chiefs in 2017.
Elliot expressed the immense sentimental value of these jerseys, explaining, “You can’t put a dollar price on that. The memories that I have wearing those jerseys, there’s a lot of memories there.” After the theft, he actively sought to recover his treasured items, reaching out to collectors and trying to track down the jerseys, including a significant New Zealand under 16s jersey he wore over 20 years ago.
Fortunately, Dylan Booth, a New Zealand collector now living on the Gold Coast, took an interest in helping Elliot recover his items after spotting one of the jerseys for sale. Booth, who runs an Instagram account called Boothy’s Rugby Relics, specializes in restoring and locating jerseys with sentimental value. After failing to communicate with the original seller on Facebook, Booth had a stroke of luck during a visit to a vintage market where he stumbled upon the very jersey he had been searching for.
Booth’s timely find felt serendipitous, and he promptly purchased the jersey for $120, feeling that it was worth every penny to return it to its rightful owner. He believed the vendor at the market might have been the same person he previously encountered selling the jersey online, further tying the story together.
When Elliot learned of the recovery, he was overjoyed, likening the feelings to an early Christmas. He acknowledged Booth’s efforts and expressed hope in potentially tracking down the remaining stolen jerseys, especially for his children. “I’m really hopeful that I can track those down,” said Elliot, emphasizing the emotional connection these jerseys have for his family.
This story is a beautiful reminder of community support and the importance of cherished memories, showcasing how perseverance and the goodwill of others can lead to joyful reunions. As Elliot looks forward to retrieving his jerseys, the hope remains that more will be returned to him, allowing him to share these pieces of history with his children.
Leave a comment