Norths Rugby wing player Jordan Luke suffers loss of arm function, career

A tackle during a Brisbane rugby game has tragically ended a star player’s career, leaving him with permanent loss of function in his arm. But the community has now rallied behind him.

Norths Rugby wing player Jordan Luke has lost arm function since a bad tackle.

A tackle gone terribly wrong has ended the career of a popular semi-professional Brisbane rugby player after causing permanent loss of function in his arm.

Jordan Luke, a spirited and beloved wing at Norths Rugby Club since 2018, said he had thrived in sport as long as he could remember.

He had aspired to pursue a professional career until the freak injury to his right arm.

Originally from a small country town in Western Australia, Mr Luke represented Brisbane at the 2019 National Rugby Competition.

Before the accident the 30-year-old had a busy daily routine which included working as a gym instructor and “pre-delivery’’ technician, walking his dog George, rigorous training and competitive games.

Mr Luke says he looks at the positives and now plans to coach younger players.

He has now had to slow down as he waited to see the long-term effects of his injuries.

His life changed in an instant during a Saturday home game at Wavell Heights on June 15.

“I approached the player to tackle, like I have done 100 times before,” he said.

“I made contact and as we were falling to the ground I couldn’t brace myself. I tried to sit up and couldn’t move my right arm or leg.’’

The next few days for Mr Luke were a whirlwind.

“At first I couldn’t move my legs and thought it must just be a bad stinger (an injury where nerves in the neck or shoulder are stretched or compressed during an impact, causing stinging pain),” he said.

“Intense nerve pain began down my arm, straight in and around my shoulder.

Mr Luke said the pain became excruciating and worsened, with doctors resorting ot trial and error to try to find a medication that could numb his pain.

“We tried a bunch of medications and nothing worked before we eventually tried ketamine,” Mr Luke said.

“I started thinking of worst-case scenarios down the track — I’d never be able to pick up my niece again or my future children.

“Everything was racing through my mind.’’

Mr Luke and his partner Mathison Campbell.

Doctors told Mr Luke that he had damaged his brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves that connects nerves in the arm to the beck and torso.

They also told him there was permanent loss of function in his right arm.

“During my five day stay in hospital my fingers began to move which was exciting,” Mr Luke said.

“I now have a little more hand movement but my arm still won’t move,” he said.

He said he tried his best to think positively.

“I know I can’t change the accident. I need to now give myself the best chance of getting function back,” he said.

“I need to be optimistic. It’s only early days and even though I won’t play football again I can get into coaching and working with the younger groups at the club.’’

Norths Rugby President Shaun McKinnon said Mr Luke was one of the longest serving, most loyal and dedicated players the club had known.

“It makes it even more excruciating knowing this has happened to someone who has given so much to our club,” Mr McKinnon said.

“He’s a genuinely lovely and decent human being. Whenever I’ve asked for someone to help out he’s always said yes.

“Jordan has been a keynote speaker for us, been a leader and coach, he has stepped up to be a role model to younger boys and girls.’’

He said Mr Luke had been a key part in enhancing the club’s culture and performance.

“We have been in the bottom rung of teams in the last few years and just as we’re turning a corner and performing better this happens — it is extra heartbreaking,” he said.

Norths Rugby has started a GoFundMe page for Mr Luke.

This Saturday, July 13, they would also hold an event honouring and fundraising for him at the Norths homeground from 1pm.

All proceeds from a raffle and auction would go to Mr Luke, as well as $2 from every beer and $5 from every burger sold.

“As a club we want to show him that there is a tremendous amount of support for him within the rugby community,” Mr McKinnon said.

“We will be forming a tunnel for him to lead the players onto the field and honouring him with a standing ovation applaud.’’

Mr Luke said he could not imagine going through this devastating time without the ongoing support of his partner Mathison, his family, close friends and Norths Rugby.

“The fundraising, offers for lifts, food being brought to me and the messages mean so much. Thank you,” he said.

If you can donate to Mr Luke’s fundraiser please click here.