Former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot is on the verge of recovering one of his most cherished items, following a troubling incident earlier this year. Upon returning from a stint in France, Elliot discovered that his storage unit in Hawke’s Bay had been burglarized, resulting in the theft of around a dozen of his valuable jerseys. These included jerseys from significant teams such as Māori All Blacks and various New Zealand representative teams, alongside jerseys from international matches against classic rivals like Ireland, England, and Australia.
Elliot expressed his dismay over the theft, highlighting the emotional significance of these jerseys, stating, “You can’t put a dollar price on that,” as they are tied to many personal memories from his career. In an effort to reclaim his belongings, Elliot had been actively searching for the stolen items, even reaching out to collectors when he discovered that one of his jerseys was on sale on Facebook Marketplace. However, initial attempts to contact the seller were fruitless.
The jersey in question, which Elliot wore during his time with the New Zealand under-16 team over 20 years ago, holds particular importance for the now 38-year-old, as it marks a milestone in his rugby journey. Fortunately, a stroke of luck came in the form of Dylan Booth, a passionate collector who recognized the jersey while searching for vintage items at a market on Australia’s Gold Coast. After verifying its uniqueness, Booth purchased the jersey for $120, ensuring it would be returned to its rightful owner.
Booth expressed satisfaction in spending the money to help Elliot, emphasizing the value of memorabilia in the rugby community. He noted that these jerseys carry unique stories and histories significant to the players they belong to. Upon hearing the news of his jersey’s return, Elliot likened the feeling to an early Christmas present, remarking on the serendipitous nature of the find and expressing gratitude for Booth’s support.
Elliot also shared his hopes of recovering other jerseys that were stolen, especially for the sake of his children. The situation serves as a reminder of the connection between athletes and their memorabilia, emphasizing the importance of community in recovering lost treasures.
This story not only illustrates the resilience and spirit of the rugby community but also highlights the collective efforts of individuals bringing joy and nostalgia back to a deserving athlete. With optimism in the air, there is hope that further jerseys can be located, restoring more meaningful memories to Elliot and his family.
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