Former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot is set to be reunited with one of his most cherished belongings, highlighting a tale that surprisingly had a mix of sorrow and serendipity. After returning from playing in France earlier this year, Elliot discovered that his storage unit in Hawke’s Bay had been broken into, leading to the theft of a box containing his collection of old rugby jerseys.
Included among the stolen items were around a dozen jerseys, notable ones from the Māori All Blacks, various New Zealand representative teams, Hurricanes, as well as jerseys celebrating the Hawke’s Bay’s victory in the 2005 NPC final. The loss was particularly emotional for Elliot, who expressed that the sentimental value of the jerseys was immeasurable. “The memories that I have wearing those jerseys, there’s a lot of memories there,” he reflected on the distress of such a significant loss.
Determined to recover his jerseys, Elliot reached out to collectors and the rugby community for help. One particular jersey, which he donned while representing New Zealand under 16s, attracted interest when it was spotted being sold online. This jersey held special significance as it marked his entry into New Zealand rugby over 20 years ago.
Dylan Booth, a New Zealand collector now residing on the Gold Coast, saw the jersey online and attempted to assist Elliot. While their efforts initially hit a dead end, a twist of fate occurred when Booth visited a vintage market and stumbled upon the very same jersey he had been tracking. Purchasing it for $120, Booth was thrilled to recover this emblem of Elliot’s early career.
Elliot described the moment he learned of the recovery as feeling like “Christmas had come early.” He expressed deep gratitude for Booth’s support, revealing that the collectors’ community has continued to reach out to help him recover other jerseys from the stolen box. “I’m really hopeful that I can track those down, especially for my kids,” he added, emphasizing the hope that lies in rekindling these precious memories.
This heartwarming conclusion not only shows the power of community support but also embodies the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and personal connections that rugby fosters. As Elliot looks forward to reuniting with his treasured jersey, there is a collective optimism that more of his lost items will be recovered, turning a painful chapter into a celebratory one filled with nostalgia and connection.
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