Stolen Rugby Glory: Hika Elliot’s Jersey Found in Unlikely Place

Former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot is set to reunite with one of his most cherished items—the jersey he wore while representing New Zealand’s Under 16 team over two decades ago. This heartwarming story has its roots in an unfortunate incident; Elliot discovered upon returning home from France earlier this year that his storage unit in Hawke’s Bay had been broken into, resulting in the loss of a box containing about twelve jerseys, including those from the Māori All Blacks, Hurricanes, and other notable teams.

Elliot expressed his devastation over the theft, highlighting that the sentimental value of the jerseys is immeasurable. “The memories that I have wearing those jerseys… to find out that quite a few had been taken was a little upsetting,” he explained. Despite his disappointment, Elliot has actively sought to recover his stolen jerseys and reached out to collectors for assistance.

One such collector, Dylan Booth, a New Zealander now residing in Australia, noticed the jersey for sale online and attempted to help Elliot track it down. After an initial lead went cold, a fortunate twist occurred during a rain-soaked Sunday when Booth stumbled upon the jersey at a vintage market. Recognizing it immediately, he purchased it for $120 and is now preparing to return it to Elliot.

Booth’s discovery is a testament to the connectedness within the rugby community and the importance of memorabilia, which often holds deep personal stories. Elliot expressed his gratitude towards Booth, calling it a blessing to have the jersey returned to him and implying that this act could lead to the recovery of more of his stolen items.

In a positive turn of events, Elliot is hopeful that this reunion might not only bring back his cherished jersey but also inspire others to assist in recovering the remainder of his lost collection—a meaningful gesture for him and his family. The conclusion of this story reflects the resilience of community ties and the importance of preserving memories, especially those that connect us with our past.