After a horrific Rugby World Cup injury, New Zealand’s coach sends a gracious message to a Namibian player.

Le Roux Malan slipped during the first half of New Zealand vs. Namibia and suffered a severe injury to his right leg.
He was helped off the field on a stretcher.

Le Roux Malan, a player for Namibia who sustained a serious injury at the Rugby World Cup, has received the best wishes of his team from New Zealand head coach Ian Foster.

In the first half of the All Blacks’ easy 71-3 victory over Namibia on Friday night, Malan was taken away on a stretcher.
While attempting to tackle Beauden Barrett of New Zealand, the center slipped, placing his leg in an awkward position.

When the referee blew the whistle to stop play, he immediately grabbed his right leg and motioned to the touchline for assistance. The players on both teams were visibly concerned, and after the 24-year-old received medical attention, he was carried off to warm cheers from the Toulouse crowd.

After the game, Foster spoke to the media, but first he sent a message to the Namibian star before talking about his team’s performance. Le Roux Malan’s injury “looked pretty serious, so our thoughts are with him,” he said, adding that he was “really disappointed” to see it.

The official X account for New Zealand had earlier written: “Our thoughts are with Namibian center Le Roux Malan.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to him.
“.

A statement from Malan’s club team, the New England Free Jacks, said: “Our thoughts and hearts are with our own Le Roux Malan who suffered a lower-body injury while representing Namibia today against the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup.

“The Free Jacks family is by Le Roux’s side as he navigates the healing process.
We appreciate everyone’s messages of support for Le Roux and ask that they be given to him as he navigates the post-injury process with patience and respect.
“.

Top Class, responded an X user named Stef Malan who identified himself as Le Roux’s sibling.
My brother, who I’ve spoken to, is the most resilient person I’ve ever met, and from what I can tell, this is just the beginning.
He’s obviously devastated. Thank you for helping my brother grow and for all the opportunities and support you have given him.
“.

“Not the easiest question to answer (lots of emotions, morphine & pain),” he added when asked how he was feeling.
Knowing him, however, he will fight every day of recovery and return even stronger.
He demonstrated it by breaking his ankle at the Sharks Academy and his thumb during the MLR preseason.
I know the strongest man.

Following their 27-13 loss to the hosts France in the first game, the All Blacks ran in 11 tries to secure a comfortable comeback victory. It wasn’t all easy, though; Ethan de Groot was sent off for a high tackle on Adriaan Booysen late in the game.