Cancer scare for Haiu
Auckland – Blues lock Kurtis Haiu has quit rugby indefinitely after the discovery of a lesion in one of his ribs. For months, Haiu attributed rib pain to the wear and tear of rugby. Then four weeks ago he approached Blues doctor Stephen Kara, who initiated blood tests and X-rays. The lesion was found in scans last week. “This appears to be a primary bone tumor, but he will have to undergo a series of further tests including surgery to definitively confirm the type of tumor,” Kara said on Wednesday. “Until this time, prognosis is uncertain.”
The 26-year-old Haiu, married with two daughters, will see a bone specialist next week. Blues coach Pat Lam said Haiu broke the news to his team-mates on Monday. “It was an emotional time for the team,” Lam said. “Rugby is a great team sport where you rely on the guys next to you and that’s pretty much what everyone conveyed to him, that we are here for him.” Lam said despite complaining of rib pain, Haiu’s performances this season “epitomised who he is and the sort of backbone that he has.” Haiu has played 53 games for the Blues since his Super debut in 2006. The former New Zealand Under-21 representative has also played 74 times for Auckland.
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