What was meant to be an exciting time for school sports after a two- year Covid disruption, resulted in pain and two lost teeth for a Worcester Gymnasium rugby player.
The excitement of being able to host a sports day after two full years started off on a bad note two weeks ago (7 May) when Gymnasium had visitors from Hugenote High School, Wellington.
Wet weather was the order of the day. However that did not stop the rugby teams playing the much anticipated matches that were scheduled.
Jeffwin Michaels, a Grade 10 learner and first rugby team player, lost two teeth and a third got stuck in his gum.
“I went in for a tackle when a teammate and I collided. Our heads bumped against each other and when I opened my eyes again, I was on the ground,” says Michaels.
The young rugby player tried getting up and as he tried, he realised that there was blood coming out of his mouth.
“For quite a while I did not realise that it was my teeth falling out.”
As he walked off the field, he called his mother and when his mother got to him, she was shocked.
“Yho boeta, we have to get you to the dentist!”
Later that evening he was taken to Worcester Hospital, where he was told that he cannot be stitched because he was not actively bleeding.
On Tuesday he was informed that the school had made an appointment at the dentist for him.
The dentist told him that it was a good idea to stop playing because he could have potentially damaged his jaw.
“My jaw shifted because of the knock I got.”
Michaels then asked if he cannot rather have the tooth that got stuck in his gum extracted, but this was rejected.
“The dentist said I have healthy teeth and if they were to extract it, it would make a hole in my gum.”
The tooth is still stuck in his gum and will be pushed to the front using wiring.
Michaels has been ruled out of playing rugby for three weeks.
“When I received the news, I was heartbroken.”
All of this happens amid his inclusion in the provincial team.
Though he did not play in the final trials in Wellington yesterday, Michaels will fortunately still be included in the trial squad because he has a medical certificate.
Michaels is in good health and is recovering quite well.
“I do still practise, but I am not allowed to make contact.”
