Rugby community’s support after Barossa Rams player Kitione Waqanisau suffers “horrific” injury
An SA sports club is rallying behind one of their beloved players after a freak on-field injury.
SA News
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South Australia’s amateur rugby community is rallying behind a player who suffered a gruesome on-field injury and now faces costly medical bills because his visa precludes Medicare benefits.
Kitione “Kiti” Waqanisau, 32, moved to Mount Barker from Fiji about a year ago to work at meat processor Thomas Foods through a federal government employment scheme, intending to support his wife and four children back home.
Barossa Rams Rugby Club rugby director Nigel Peters said the friendly Mr Waqanisau “fit in really well” after joining the club, becoming a mate to both other Islander players and Australia-born players.
During a reserve-grade game on Saturday against Onkaparinga Rugby Union Club, Mr Waqanisau was tackled by two players while running forward, carrying the ball, when his leg was broken and ankle dislocated.
“The horrific part was the visual,” Mr Peters said.
“His foot was pointing in the wrong direction, and it was very close to the sideline, so a lot of the spectators would’ve seen it.”
The injury has forced Mr Waqanisau to take time off work, leaving him with expensive medical bills, including for surgery and rehabilitation.
The club’s liaison officer Joe Kabasi, a fellow Fijian, stayed at Lyell McEwin Hospital with Mr Waqanisau until 2am on Sunday after he was injured.
“He’ll be off from work for quite a while and he’ll exhaust all annual and personal leave during the period,” Mr Kabasi said.
“He was here to work and support the family, and unfortunately, it happens. He loved this game of rugby like most other Fijians who live around here.
“Sport’s sport, there will always be injuries and unfortunately Saturday was not great for him.”
He said Mr Waqanisau was in good spirits, describing him as an “easygoing dude”.
A fundraiser to assist with his medical and cost-of-living expenses, organised by the club, has so far drawn support from club members, the sport’s governing body Rugby Union South Australia and other clubs across Adelaide.
Mr Waqanisau does not have access to Medicare benefits as a Fijian worker employed in Australia through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.
In a Facebook post, the Onkaparinga Rugby Union Club encouraged its members and supporters to donate to the fundraiser.
“Last weekend we witnessed a horrendous injury to a good fella from Barossa Rams Rugby Club,” the post said.
“We all know that while there is rugby insurance, it won’t cover much for him. Please dig deep and show how good the rugby community is in times of need.”
Mr Peters described Mr Waqanisau as a strong, hard-ringing player and a good ball carrier.
He said messages of support from the rugby community would be welcomed to keep Mr Waqanisau in good spirits.
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
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