Fiji born winger Patrick Osborne who will play for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby tonight is recalling the events of his father's near‑death experience a fortnight ago.
As the Highlanders were eight days out from the start of their title defence on Eden Park, Patrick Osborne senior was battling in high seas off the coast of Suva during Cyclone Winston.
Osborne was later told of his father's fortunate escape when he finally connected with family in Suva.
Osborne said he hardly watch’s news and he did not know the Cyclone was affecting Fiji.
He said every day his mum or dad called him but he started to worry when his parents did not get in touch on February 20th, the day when winds in excess of 300kph were hitting Fiji.
Osborne realised later his father was captaining a ferry when the tropical cyclone was making its way to Fiji.
While aid continues to flood into Fiji and the rebuild begins, sport ‑ particularly rugby ‑ can offer relief so Osborne was delighted to learn the Fiji Sevens team won the Las Vegas leg of the World Series last Monday.
The Highlanders will play the Lions at 6.35 tonight, the Rebels will take on the Reds at 8.40pm while the Sunwolves will face the Cheetahs at 10.50pm.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes beat the Blues 23‑19 while the Brumbies defeated the Western Force 31‑14 last night.
Source: Stuff.co
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