A couple of blokes
One needs rest, another needs our help.
Last week, Wallabies captain Michael Hooper asked to return home after sharing that he wasn’t in the right mindset for the upcoming matches against Argentina.
And while it was great that the media and online chat were very supportive of his decision, I was shocked that so many people were surprised that he’d asked for a rest.
No one has played more rugby over the past 10 years than Hoops, and people forget that even Richie McCaw took a long break from the game.
Maybe McCaw’s rest was better planned and therefore less of a surprise to the public, but what I think Hoops did was real leadership and there’s no doubt that he’s one of the most resilient players we’ve ever seen.
But no matter who you are, if your head isn't in the right place to put your body on the line, then you have to put your hand up to stand down and recharge, as test match footy (or performing at a high level in any area) is no place for half-hearted effort that comes from half-charged batteries.
I hope Hoops enjoys his time off and that Quade Cooper makes a full recovery, as it was great to see him back playing well at the highest level.
Support Needed
Earlier this year, retired Rugby League player Nathan Stapleton decided he’d cross codes and play a game of Rugby Union for his local club, the Boorowa Goldies.
And all was going well until the second half when Nathan got caught in a ruck breaking his neck, which caused him to have a heart attack.
Luckily, an off-duty nurse named Louise McCabe rushed on the field to perform CPR and was able to stabilise Nathan and save his life.
But despite the incredible effort from Lou and others, Nathan is now paralysed from the shoulders down.
Heavily pregnant at the time, his wife Kate recently gave birth to their 2nd child and they need your support, as Nathan is unable to work and requires long-term care.
To support them, a gofundme campaign was created and is doing well, but to help reach its goal, the West Wyalong Rugby Union Club is raffling a trip for 2 to the 2nd Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland, as part of the Dock’s tour.
The trip includes flights, accommodation, a-class match tickets, and a winery tour on Waiheke Island (RRP: $6,000) so please give generously to support Nathan and his family by purchasing as many tickets as you can ($10 each).
I’ve never met Nathan, but when Lou reached out asking for help, it was impossible to say no. Lou is a good friend and one of the most caring people I know, and I’m forever in her debt after she did an amazing job looking after my wife Jen when our girls were born prematurely.
The world needs more people like Louise McCabe.