Bulls star Liebenberg opens up on family emergency that pulled him from All Blacks clash
by KickOff Rugby · KickOffBulls loose forward Hanro Liebenberg has opened up about the heartbreaking reason he left the field during the All Blacks clash in the Greatest Rivalry Series last month.
Speaking to Rapport, Liebenberg revealed that a family emergency forced him to rush to hospital to be with his two-week-old daughter Liviah, who had undergone heart surgery just days before the clash.
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Although Liebenberg said his daughter had recovered well, Bulls management were informed during the match that she had suffered complications.
That prompted coach Johan Ackermann to replace Liebenberg so he could rush to be with his family.
“Her little heart had stopped completely. They had to revive her and put her on life support. It was harrowing,” Liebenberg said.
“My wife and I were ready to go and say goodbye to our daughter on the Sunday. We told ourselves we needed to make peace with it, that this was not meant for us.”
Liebenberg said, however, that his daughter pulled through the ordeal and is now back home with the family.
“By God’s grace, she just grew stronger and stronger. Healthier. We are so grateful for that,” he said.