Rugby star gets World Cup call after folk healer mends his broken leg in four days

Injured winger Waisake Naholo was named in New Zealand’s squad to defend the Rugby World Cup on Sunday after his broken leg was cured by a folk healer. Naholo suffered a cracked tibia in his debut test against Argentina on July 16 and was thought to be sidelined for three months. But the 24-year-old returned to his native Fiji for treatment from a traditional healer and the All Blacks’ say medical tests show he has made an unlikely recovery. His uncle, Isei Naiova, said he applied traditional leaves known as kawakawarau on Naholo’s leg for four days to treat the injury.

It’s just been really, really frustrating not being able to do anything; just watching the boys play and train and knowing I could be there as well.

Waisake Naholo

Naholo, who has played only 50 minutes of test rugby, was thought to be unlikely to be available until the play-off stages at best. But the All Blacks’ say he is now likely to be available for the third pool match against Georgia on October 3 or earlier. Naholo and Nehe Milner-Skudder who, after two tests, is already seen as a rising star, have captured two of the outside backs spots alongside automatic selections Ben Smith and Julian Savea.

Sports naholo