Emoni Narawa, the emerging rugby talent for the All Blacks, faced an unfortunate setback in his debut season, preventing him from participating in the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to a back injury.
The Chiefs winger, who was poised for a World Cup debut in France, experienced a slipped disc early in the campaign, leading to his exclusion from the tournament.
Initially sustaining the injury during his All Blacks debut against Argentina in Mendoza, Narawa showed positive progress in the following months, achieving personal speed testing records while in England. However, his hopes were dashed when, during a skill block in France, he aggravated the injury by jarring the other side of the disc, according to former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.
Currently undergoing rehabilitation in Hamilton, Narawa shared that his focus is on the gradual recovery of his back, acknowledging the patience required in the process. Despite the setback, he remains dedicated to the rehabilitation routine, which currently includes treadmill work three days a week.
Motivated by the recent birth of his first child, Narawa credited his family for supporting him through the disappointment of missing the World Cup. The injury, which caused numbness in his left leg, prompted a scan revealing the severity of the situation. Despite the initial disappointment, having his family with him in France and the opportunity to travel in Europe provided a bittersweet silver lining.
Having previously played with the Blues for two years, Narawa joined the Chiefs in 2022, where he excelled under the guidance of coach Clayton McMillan. Despite the setback, the Chiefs, under McMillan’s leadership, are poised for success in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. The team, boasting an explosive back three featuring Narawa, is considered a strong contender for the title.
Looking ahead, Narawa is optimistic about making a full recovery in time for the 2024 season’s opening match, expressing the privilege and unparalleled feeling of wearing the jersey and playing at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
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