Former All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot is set to reunite with one of his cherished possessions, a journey marked by both deep disappointment and unexpected hope. Earlier this year, upon returning from his stint in France, Elliot discovered that his storage unit in Hawke’s Bay had been broken into. Among the stolen belongings was a box containing about a dozen jerseys, including valuable pieces from the Māori All Blacks, New Zealand underage teams, the Hurricanes, and other international teams.
Elliot expressed his heartbreak over the theft, emphasizing that the sentimental value of the jerseys far exceeded any monetary worth. “The memories that I have wearing those jerseys, there’s a lot of memories there,” he shared. This theft not only took away valuable collectibles but also precious memories tied to his life in rugby.
In a bid to track down his stolen jerseys, Elliot reached out to various collectors for assistance. He soon learned that one of his most significant jerseys—a garment from the New Zealand under 16s he wore over 20 years ago—was being sold online. This jersey represented a pivotal moment in his career, and its disappearance was particularly painful for him.
Fortunately, help would come from an unexpected quarter. Dylan Booth, an avid collector and rugby enthusiast now living on the Gold Coast, took an interest in Elliot’s plight. Through his Instagram account, “Boothy’s Rugby Relics,” Booth specializes in restoring and finding jerseys, often working to return them to their rightful owners. While searching Facebook, he stumbled across the jersey in question. Although the trail went cold after the seller vanished, fate intervened.
Last Sunday, Booth visited a vintage market and felt a strong instinct to check the racks. To his amazement, he found the very jersey he had been trying to track down. Excited yet cautious, he quickly purchased it for $120, deeming it a worthy investment. “It’s pretty sad that it got stolen along with the others, but I’m pretty happy to get that back to him,” Booth reflected.
Elliot expressed immense gratitude upon learning that the jersey would return to him. He described the moment as feeling like Christmas had come early, acknowledging Booth’s significant role in the recovery. Furthermore, he remains hopeful that other stolen jerseys can also be found, particularly for his children who share in his passion for rugby memorabilia.
This story showcases the resilience and camaraderie in the rugby community, demonstrating how unexpected connections can restore not just items, but cherished memories and legacies. It serves as a reminder that even amidst loss and hardship, there is potential for recovery and happiness.
In summary, Hika Elliot’s stolen jersey has not only been located but is also being returned to him thanks to the effort of a dedicated collector. This tale highlights the importance of community support in times of loss, and the positive outcomes that can arise when people come together for a common cause.
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