Editorial: Bonds of rugby hard to break

Napier Old Boys' Marist player John Taitoko (pictured with his son Jax) collapsed at a game last month.

Lovers of rugby will tell you that, at its best, there is no better game and who could argue with them after the thrilling Super Rugby final at the weekend.

That old cliche that "rugby was the winner" certainly ran true but it is also fair to say the Highlanders deserved to take home the trophy, with a superb 21-14 win over the Hurricanes.

Yes, rugby give us immense pleasure - be it watching or taking part at whatever level.

However, it is only a game and it is always sobering when someone is seriously injured or suffers a medical emergency during or after a match.

It certainly puts things into perspective. We were all shocked to hear about Napier Old Boys' Marist rugby player John Taitoko collapsing during a game with heart problems last month .

The 28-year-old was playing Dannevirke club Aotea at Park Island when he collapsed about 30 minutes into the first half and spent almost three weeks on life support and in an induced coma.

The good news is that last week Mr Taitoko was transferred out of the Intensive Care Unit at Hawke's Bay Hospital to the coronary ward. Let's hope he continues to improve and is back on his feet soon.

As always, the sporting community and, in particular, the rugby community has rallied around Mr Taitoko and his family. A Givealittle page has been created to help the loyal Marist Rugby Club man and his family. As of yesterday, $4597 had been raised.

Rugby is not just about the thrilling tries and exciting matches at the top level but also about the bonds that are formed and how people are there for each other in tough times.

-To contribute to John Taitoko's cause, please visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/johnhayleyjax