Super Rugby: Blues to perform for cancer suffering Kurtis Haiu against the Highlanders
The Blues skipper Keven Mealamu has reiterated his affirm to win their upcoming clash of Super Rugby against the Highlanders for his teammate Haiu.
Kurtis Haiu has been diagnosed with bone tumour and is out from the team for indefinite time. Mealamu told that Haiu’s news came as a shock for his team and they want to win the next game for him.
Blues lock Kurtis Haiu was ruled out of rugby, on yesterday for an indefinite period as he was diagnosed with a bone tumour in his ribs. The star was in constant pain in his ribcage since few months but he associated it with extensive hard work of rugby.
The player underwent a CT scan during the mid of April that revealed tumour on the bone.
Haiu made his Super Rugby debut in 2006 for the Blues and is in touch with them since then. He made his first appearance in the side during the 7th round of Super Rugby against the Waratahs. He recorded first try of his career in the same season against
the South African derby.
Haiu has participated in 74 matches for Blues including all replacements. He has also played for New Zealand’ U-19 and U-21 teams earlier on.
The Blues’ team doctor Stephen Kara confirmed that their player was rested from all forms of rugby for undefined time. Dr Kara told the reporters that Haiu has been diagnosed with bone tumor but further tests would determine the exact situation.
He added, “This appears to be a primary bone tumor but he will have to undergo a series of further tests including surgery to definitely confirm the type of tumor. Until this time prognosis is uncertain. Kurtis had noticed rib pain for several months but
attributed this to the contact involved in rugby.”
The team physician argued that the player should have undergone the diagnosing processing at the initial stage when he felt little pain in his ribs but did not. However, Dr Kara was hopeful that still it was not too late and he will meet the bone specialist
by the next week.
The Blues skipper Mealamu expressed his deep feelings for cancer suffering player and said, “It's tough because I don't know if we'll get to see him again this year or if we'll get to see him in any team again. Most definitely we'll be playing our hearts
out for him this weekend.”
The Blues have played wonderfully well in the ongoing Super Rugby competition and they are unbeaten since last seven games. Currently Mealamu’s side has been placed on second at the point’s table and they will take on the Highlanders on 29th April.
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