More reason for you to cheer for the All Blacks this weekend as blockbusting All Blacks wing Julian Savea hopes he can at least put a smile back on the face of young Wellington rugby player Sai Hope Daunibau.

Stuff.co reported that the 8-year-old is in Starship Children’s Hospital after he was seriously injured when he was hit by a bus when holidaying with family in Fiji, but he hopes to one day return to the sport he loves.

He was airlifted to Auckland with multiple injuries including a severely injured left arm which unfortunately required amputation.

Sai was a popular member of the Wellington Axemen under-9s team this season, where he played on the wing.

Earlier this year, he dressed up as Savea for his school disco and dreams of following in his idol’s footsteps.

After hearing about Sai yesterday, Savea said his heart went out to the boy and his family, and that he would love to help in some way.

Julian Savea said it is not good to be in Sai’s situation, and he really feels for him.

Savea said hopefully he can help Sai out in some way and cheer him up.

23-year-old Savea learned of the incident through All Blacks management and is sure there would be an opportunity for the team to do something to help the family’s cause.
 
The Wellington club’s members were the first to help after raising funds for Sai, his mother and a doctor to fly back to Auckland after the accident.

Sai will remain at Starship as he recovers, awaiting word on whether he will get a prosthetic arm.


Story by: Vijay Narayan