Emoni Narawa injury update

 

Emon Narawa, a rising All Blacks star, had his first season in the black jersey cut short in 2023 when he was forced to miss the Rugby World Cup due to a back injury.

The Chiefs winger’s breakout year was expected to culminate with his World Cup debut in France, but only a week into the competition, a slipped disc forced him to withdraw.

The bolter’s injury first surfaced during his All Blacks debut against Argentina in Mendoza, but in the months that followed, Narawa was performing admirably and even established a personal best for the year in some of the All Blacks’ speed tests conducted in England. However, everything changed once in France.@

Former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster revealed: “It was the last thing he did in a skill block. He jarred it; it turns out it’s the other side of the disc.”

Recovery times for the injury can vary, and a few months into rehab, Narawa is being patient.

“I’m back in Hamilton working on my rehabilitation three days a week. But right now, I can just run on the treadmill,” Narawa said to The New Zealand Herald.

“I’m just taking it week by week; right now, my focus is just getting my back right.”

Following a two-year stay with the Blues, Narawa acknowledged that the arrival of his first kid served as both a personal and professional motivator.

His family’s support while he was in France enabled him to get over his initial sadness at not making the World Cup.

“My disc fell and is making contact with a nerve.” My left leg went numb and I lost all feeling in it. At the moment it’s up to my toes. Hopefully, it all goes away sometime soon.

“I tried to remain optimistic the entire time when it happened at training [in Lyon], but I kind of saw it coming.” When I went in for a scan, it was discovered to be fairly serious. Not the ideal time to do it. I felt completely destroyed, but that’s life.

“The family really traveled to France, where we were able to enjoy some sightseeing throughout Europe. Being able to have them there was beneficial, albeit it was bittersweet. Having my two girls over was a pleasant treat.“As much as you think you’re all good with accepting that you’re out of the World Cup, it plays in your head a lot, but it was good to have a bit of time off and spend time with family.”

After signing with the Chiefs for the 2022 season, Narawa was coached by Clayton McMillan, the former Bay of Plenty NPC coach, who moved the young player up to the starting lineup in 2023.

After a difficult time for the team, the Chiefs coach has seen tremendous success at the Super Rugby level. McMillan’s open style of play has allowed his dynamic back three, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Narawa, and Shaun Stevenson, to play with total freedom. This luxury has allowed the trio to perform at their best.

The Chiefs have kept more important players both on and off the field than their 2023 final opponents, the Crusaders, and will go into the 2024 season as one of, if not the favorites, to win the Super Rugby Pacific championship.

Narawa is hopeful to make a full recovery in time to suit up for round one’s final rematch in Hamilton

“It’s always a privilege putting on that jersey and running out at FMG. You just can’t beat that feeling.”