Blues prop Marcel Renata has had to amputate his middle finger to continue playing professional rugby.
In an interview with Stuff.co.nz, Renata recalled the remarkable story of how he sacrificed the damaged finger on his right hand to keep pursuing his Super Rugby career.
“It was in bits really, from footy,” the 29-year-old told Stuff ahead of the Super Rugby season. “I did most things with my left hand before I had the last surgery. I’m kinda ambidextrous at the moment.
“I had to have a crack to save it before we whacked it off. But the writing was on the wall, as there was like a 20% chance it was going to work. I made it through to November, but by that time I was ready to whop it off. It was a pretty easy decision. I couldn’t even manage cooking or the dishes. I was a seven out of 10 pain most days, and turned pretty grumpy. Mum and dad noticed I’d changed.
“I stopped enjoying the game and I stopped enjoying training because I was so sore. I was on painkillers, and I didn’t want to live like that.
“I’m just stoked to be able to still play footy,” he added. “It took a little while to adjust, mostly the small motor skills, like writing, knives and forks, and sanitising pumps. I think that finger catches quite a bit of liquid, so I have to do the old double pump.”
Photo: Albert Perez/Getty Images
The post Kiwi prop loses finger to keep career appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
