Ailing Tongan player Sione Vaiomounga is set to be given the gift of life – and also potentially a lifeline to stay in his adopted home of Romania.
Vaimounga – who played for Tonga at the 2011 Rugby World Cup – has been battling kidney failure and needs a transplant.While he battles ill health he has also been locked in a battle to gain a visa extension to which would enable him to stay in Romania for the care he needs.
His plight went global late last year, with a fundraiser set up by Pacific Rugby Player Welfare raising more than $30,000 for him and his family.
Stories highlighting his battle had also prompted potential donors from around the world to offer to give him a kidney. Three times he has received a call from a hospital in Cluj-Napoca - but each time there has been no match, until now.
Talking to the Herald on Sunday from his home in Romania, the flanker revealed a likely match had been found from a woman in Australia.
"They are very kind, they give us clothing and food," said Sara.
They have also been touched by the generosity of people around the world who had donated to an online appeal. The money raised was used to process the family's visa applications, which can be expensive and time consuming.
Ideally, the family wanted visas for New Zealand and the United States where they have family but the processes are long and complicated.
The family is now hoping they will soon be able to secure Romanian visas, which will allow Sione to get the care he needs in Romania and allow Sara to work.
"The language is a real difficulty but we love the people here- they have shown us kindness and hospitality," she said.
"My family rarely visit because it's expensive and far away. Everything here is different. I miss my Tongan food and the beach. Today it's minus 12," he said.
But what Sione really wants is to get well and to get a job.
"It has been hard but I feel blessed my wee family is with me- that's what matters. I won't play rugby again but maybe I can become a cleaner."
