Long after people forget the match details or the final score of 51-21 from the televised Grey College versus Grey High game, they will still remember the horrific leg injury that standout Grey High forward Martin Groenewald sustained. For many including Martin’s teammates, the extent of the injury was almost too much to bear and they had to look away. It’s not something you wish to see happen to anyone, yet alone a player who has genuine potential to go far in rugby.
There is good news for now according to this tweet from his school:
Martin’s operation was a success, expects to be discharged on Monday. Please keep him in your prayers.
It’s perhaps not so clear on the blog but the members of my Whatsapp rugby group will testify on my behalf that I’ve become a big fan of Martin’s this year mainly because of his never tiring ball-carrying abilities so I was deeply saddened by the news and I sincerely hope that Martin is able to firstly and most importantly make a full recovery.
@Rugger fan: Was studying law at UP whilst with the Bulls, but will continue his studies at Stellenbosch in 2015.
@Playa:
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Thanks Playa – glad to hear that. Was watching it with my son and just talking about not taking anything for granted (just before he went and leapt off a perfectly good cliff with a bungy jump
@Rugger fan: Fully recovered and played for the Bulls Under 19 in the Currie Cup. Remarkable story
Very old I know – but does anyone have any further updates on Martin Groenewald? Sorry for the very late request, but the Phil Hughes case brought this up in conversation.
And he has just tweeted that he is being discharged and on his way back to PE. Glad to hear it, wish the lighties well for a full recovery.
@CyndiAtRugby: Great stuff boys. True spirit of sportsmanship.
@Mike: @BOG: A wonderful testimony to both schools.
@Mike: I am very pleased to hear that. While I would not expect anything less, it nevertheless makes me , as an old boy, immensely proud to be part of that great institution. While winning is pleasing, there are far more important things in life. As I said elsewhere before the match, the friendships that are made between the young gentlemen of both schools, brothers indeed, will be remembered for much longer than the outcome of the match. Again, congratulations to the boys from both schools.
Well I would just like to compliment the Grey College boys here. Martin was visited by all sorts of journalists and news agencies but he was also visited by Grey College 1stXV boys as well as Mr Volsteedt. True gentlemen at that school. And I think that sums up the derby between the two schools. Good hard rugby on the field and great friends off the field. Was really so good to hear about all the support Martin received from them.
Speedy recovery Martin. Never good to see any player injured. We trust and pray for a full recovery and thta you will still realise your hopes and dreams.
@Green Hopper: Did you see the video of the French Referee getting his leg broken? This is worse. Not the sort of thing our prospective rugger-mommies need to see.
We can only feel sorry for the young man, i certainly dont want to watch the video clip , just imagining it is enough . I recall in 2008 eith college or Kearsney against GW on Dixon , a very talented you boy also broke his leg , wonder if he ever recovered , same here, teh road back will be hard, but i do wish him the best
[…] And here’s a look at Groenewald’s x-ray of his broken tibia and fibula, courtesy of schoolboyrugby.co.za: […]
Get well soon young lad! Hopefully see you in a provincial jersey in the not too distant future…
That was a very horrific injury. I am so glad he’s ok for now. Anyone who knows him or his parents, please send him all the best wishes.
@BoishaaiPa: If that is true then I am really pleased for this brave young man. It is always gut wrenching to see such a horrific injury and I pray that he fully recovers and is able to pursue his dream of playing rugby.
Apparent prognosis is that Martin can start training in three mnths again. I got this news from his older brother Ian today. Was a clean break with no complications. Hope that will hold true.
I hope that Grey PE considers trauma counceling. Most important that the boys deal with the situation
Sincerely hope this boy recovers soon – saw the highlights on Saturday evening and it was horrific. Probably just as traumatic for his teammates and opposition to witness.
Get well soon bud and hope that your recovery is managed with the required circumspection.
Always a sad day for schoolboy rugby when a weekend ends with such an injury. We can only pray for his full recovery (body and mind). I have seen that often the journey to recovery is more challenging for the mind than the body. Good luck son, we look forward to your return to the rugby field
@GreenBlooded:
I know that if it was me… and I ever played again, I’d be carrying the ball into contact each time thinking “please not again”
But then he might have a bit of Schalla in him and just put it all behind him! Can only hope.
@vatikaki: OMW!!! Just saw it too. That is horrific. Wishing this young man a speedy recovery – although I doubt one could ever fully recover from an injury like that.
@vatikaki: nie relevant nie, maar tog interessant. Martin se broer, Ian, was 3 jaar in BH, maar het matriek geskryf op Humansdorp. Self n reus van n kind. OP skole gespeel.
Sterkte Martin en familie. Alle beterskap. Julle is in ons gedagtes.
Just saw the clip of the incident on Die Burger website.
Poor kid. Worse then I expected. That looked horrible.
Hope he recovers fully!
Foto in die Beeld van die ongeluk. Ek ril nou nog!! Bly om te hoor die seun is OK!!