The remarkable testimony of a player who had to have a limb amputated in order to continue playing rugby

Rugby is a sport in which living beings are tested. But Marcel Renata certainly did not expect things to come to this. In fact, the Auckland Blues pillar had to undergo a very unusual and far from trivial operation where he had to have part of one of his fingers amputated. This may seem contradictory, but this amputation was decided in order to allow the player to continue playing rugby at a professional level, and in particular for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

“I'm happy to be able to play rugby”

Indeed, Renata dislocated her finger last season. If we first try to put it back in place, the procedure and amputation may finally be decided. The columnist spoke to the New Zealand media about this intervention, which he managed to talk about with a smile. He first indicated that it had been decided to perform a first operation without the need for amputation, but he knew very well that it would have to come to that.

The first process was to calm my mind. I had to find a solution to save him before it came to this. But it seemed like everything was already written, and there was only a 20% chance of it working. And indeed this was the case. After twelve weeks of casting (…) the problems continued. I made it through NPC season, and I thank Auckland for putting up with me because I was only playing with one hand.

I also spent November this way, but I had already made up my mind. It was a very easy decision. I can no longer even cook or do household chores. The pain was a 7/10 most of the time, and I complained a lot. My parents noticed that I was changing.

I no longer enjoy matches or training. I was taking painkillers and I didn't want to live that way anymore (…) I decided to get rid of them because it was easier (…) I'm happy that I'm able to play rugby (.. .) The human body is amazing. I have adapted well.