Former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot is set to reclaim one of his most cherished items—a jersey that was stolen from him. This tale is a mix of heartache and hope, underscoring the unexpected twists life can take.

Elliot returned home from his rugby engagements in France to find that his storage unit in Hawke’s Bay had been broken into, resulting in the theft of approximately a dozen jerseys. Among the stolen items were jerseys from the Māori All Blacks, New Zealand under 21s, Hurricanes, and even one from the historic match between the Chiefs and the British and Irish Lions in 2017. The loss was particularly devastating for Elliot, who emphasized the irreplaceable sentimental value these jerseys held for him.

In his pursuit to recover the jerseys, Elliot reached out to fellow collectors and received word that one of his stolen jerseys was spotted for sale on Facebook Marketplace. However, his attempts to connect with the seller went unanswered. One of the most significant pieces was his New Zealand under 16 jersey from the year 2000, which represented a pivotal moment in his early rugby career.

Enter Dylan Booth, an enthusiastic rugby collector based on Australia’s Gold Coast. Booth had seen the jersey online and sought to assist Elliot in retrieving it. His hobby, which includes jersey restorations and finding nostalgic items, led him to search through vintage markets. One fateful Sunday, while browsing a local vintage store, Booth found the very jersey he and Elliot had been searching for—the New Zealand under 16s jersey.

Booth quickly bought the jersey for $120, feeling it was a small price to pay to return the item to its rightful owner. He suspects the vendor may be the same person who attempted to sell the jersey online. For Booth, each jersey has stories to tell, making them valuable not only as collectibles but as pieces of history.

Upon learning about the recovery of his jersey, Elliot expressed immense gratitude, likening the moment to an early Christmas gift. He acknowledged Booth’s support and remains hopeful about locating the remaining stolen jerseys, especially for his children, who would also appreciate these treasured items.

Ultimately, this story serves as a testament to the power of community and perseverance in the face of loss. As Elliot moves forward, there is an optimistic feeling that he will recover more memorabilia from his rich rugby career, securing a legacy for his family to cherish for years to come.