AUDIO: Is this the end of the road for Brok Harris?
INJURY UPDATE: Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson provided a bleak update on veteran prop Brok Harris’ injury setback suffered in the Stormers’ 56-5 United Rugby Championship Round 16 victory against Benetton.
The 40-year-old Stormers stalwart went down in a heap following a scrum in the second half but managed to walk off on his own, refusing to use the golf cart that was sent on.
Harris announced earlier this year that this season would be his swansong, but it appears that he might not be able to end it on his own terms.
The stalwart’s injury leaves the Cape side vulnerable at tighthead prop with Springbok Frans Malherbe still out injured and Neethling Fouché suspended following a red card against Ulster.
Dobson all but confirmed that they fear the worst following Harris’ injury setback and that his last act in a Stormers jersey possibly would be a home victory against Benetton.
The article continues below…
“It’s an emotional one, to be honest. You could see [the emotion] from Brokkie’s [Brok Harris] and the players’ point of view,” a distraught John Dobson said.
“To get to the truth now, we wanted to get Sazi [Sandi] back on to finish the game from being in the sin-bin.
“I actually thought he [Brok Harris] was playing, but then the news from the [communications] radio came through that he was properly injured. We were all very sad.
“He’s an unbelievable human being and we planned everything around the Cardiff game.
“That would’ve been his last of his 200 odd [games]. I just didn’t want him to finish like this.
“In the sands of time for him to not play the last game against Cardiff would be a speck of sand compared to the rock of work he’s done for this union.
“It’s tough tonight. We are all emotional, but there are worse things in the world.
“But in the greater picture, it’s not how we wanted him to finish.
“It actually puts us under a lot of pressure in terms of our roster with our tighthead [prop] injuries.”
Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat echoed John Dobson’s sentiments and hailed Harris’s contributions to the union throughout his career.
The article continues below…
“Everyone felt for him. Potentially it could be his last game. We all made a joke with him and he said ‘one more season’.
“We giggled about it so we’re not sure if it’s a yes or a no, but what a legend and servant to Western Province Rugby.
“Also just the man that he is off the field, he’s got each and everyone’s respect. That’s exactly what happened the second when he walked off that field.
“Everyone realised the magnitude of the moment and what it meant to him. It was a very emotional moment for all of us.”
Rugby’s best of the best, ranked by experts. Check out our list of the Top 100 Men's Rugby Players and let us know what you think!