All Black Ardie Savea to wear goggles against Canada

The flanker has feared of going blind and will wear goggles to protect his eyes against Canada

All Black Ardie Savea To Wear Goggles Against Canada

All Black Ardie Savea to wear goggles against Canada

All Black Ardia Savea is set to become the first player ever to wear goggles in a Rugby World Cup match if he comes off the bench against Canada tomorrow.

This news comes after Savea admitted to fears of going blind as the sight in his left eye has been deteriorating, and therefore the goggles are there to protect his right eye.

“Obviously if my right eye goes, I might be potentially blind,” he said.

“I’ve got my little girl and, hopefully, future kids and a bigger family, so I want to be able to see. I’m just thinking of the bigger picture and trying to protect my eyes.

“In terms of vision and seeing [with the goggles], it’s pretty sweet, and it’s now just a matter of getting used to them.”

Back in May, World Rugby approved the use of goggles after testing and Italy fly-half Ian McKinley, who lost sight in his left eye after a boot to the face, wore them earlier this year in a Test match.

This led to Savea making a call on his health and he went on: “A couple of years ago I realised I had bad vision in my left eye. Everything is kind of blurry.

“I told All Blacks doctor Tony Page it was getting worse and now we’re doing something about it.”

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has applauded Savea for making the long-term decision.

“It looks a little bit different but it’s not unique,” Foster said. “I think it’s great Ardie has been willing to make a decision for his health and that he’s going to follow through with it.”

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