KIMBERLEY – Griquas rugby was rocked on Monday with the news that team captain RJ Liebenberg had suffered an epileptic fit shortly before the team’s departure to KwaZulu-Natal for their pre-season friendlies against the Sharks second team.
Griquas Rugby Union president Jannie Louw informed the Diamond Fields Advertiser that after Liebenberg had suffered the attack, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Gariep Mediclinic.
The neurosurgeon that examined Liebenberg said that he was satisfied with the scan at this stage, and that there was no real cause for concern.
Griquas vice-captain AJ Coertzen told the media that this incident came as a huge blow to the team.
“We are a group of brothers who are very close to each other, and we care a lot about each other. It is a real pity that he is not with us on tour, and the fact that he will not be in the team with us this week is a big blow for us, and our depth will be tested,” said Coertzen.
“We, however, know that RJ will be in good hands in the hospital, and we pray that he recovers quickly and that he will be back with us as soon as possible,” added the vice-captain.
Coach Peter Engledow echoed Coertzen’s statement, saying that the news hit the team pretty hard. He added though that Griquas are happy that their skipper is doing well.
The coach added that in the context of their preparation for the season, this was obviously not good news for the squad, especially on the eve of their departure for the friendlies.
“His roommates were actually very upset and it was quite difficult for them to depart with the squad. We are very happy that nothing serious has come up with the scans to date, and we are all thinking about him,” said Engledow.
“It is a great pity that he is not here with us.”
The coach told the DFA that although the news had come as a big shock to the team, they were confident that everything would work out.
“It is a bit of a shock for us at the moment, but I’m sure he will pull through as he is a tough guy and great leader.
“We are sure we will see him back on the park sooner rather than later,” Engledow said.