All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi says his mother didn’t want him to play rugby again after a “scary” incident during the Super Rugby playoffs.
The 23-year-old returned from concussion to feature off the bench in the All Blacks’ 34-32 Nations Championship win over France in Christchurch last week, but admitted his family were left deeply shaken after he was knocked unconscious while playing for the Chiefs against the Reds in June.
Asked if his mother had tried to stop him from returning to the field, Sititi replied: “Yeah, 100%. She didn’t want to watch another rugby game in a long time. I’m just happy to get through that game. I know my mum will be relieved, that’s for sure.”
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Sititi was hospitalised after the collision and entered concussion protocols, forcing him to miss the Chiefs’ semi-final and final.
“I sort of remember everything that happened right up until then, then I don’t remember anything after that until coming to at the hospital,” he said. “So, obviously it was pretty scary for myself and the family.”
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The incident initially appeared to be the result of a shoulder-to-head challenge from Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, but TV replays later showed friendly fire from Chiefs prop Sione Ahio had caused the knockout blow.
“Obviously scary times, it was a scary moment,” Sititi said.
The All Blacks’ next assignment is against Italy in Wellington on Saturday.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
The post Sititi: Mum wanted me to stop appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi says his mother didn’t want him to play rugby again after a “scary” incident during the Super Rugby playoffs.
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