Tere Livingstone: New Zealand rugby league will never recover from brain injury

Tributes pour in for New Zealand rugby league player who suffered serious brain injuries after his devastated family was told he will never recover – as fundraising page raises more than $45,000

  • A New Zealand rugby league player suffered a serious brain injury
  • His devastated family has been told by doctors that he will never recover
  • Tributes have poured in as a fundraising page raised $45,000

A New Zealand rugby league player who suffered a serious brain injury last weekend will not recover, his family have said.

Tere Livingstone, who plays for the Pāpāmoa Bulldogs, was injured in Tauranga on Saturday as the NZ Rugby League Union investigated the ‘tragic accident’.

The footy player has been described by his family as “a loving dad” and his devastated partner posted on social media that she was “utterly broken, torn in two” by the news.

A small page from Give was set up for the family, with donations exceeding $45,000.

The club shared a message that read: For those who may or may not know. Our brother Tere Livingston was seriously injured [in Saturday’s] game.

The family of a New Zealand rugby league player has received some devastating news

Tere Livingston sustained a serious brain injury during a game in New Zealand on Saturday

Tere Livingston sustained a serious brain injury during a game in New Zealand on Saturday

His partner Chloe and family have been told the footy star will never recover

His partner Chloe and family have been told the footy star will never recover

“After a scan and surgery, he has been fighting for the past few days, but we have received the terrible news that Tere will not recover.

“Tere’s partner Chloe and their beautiful 19-month-old son, Nīkora, will be deeply affected by these circumstances.

“He lights up any room with his cheeky smile and is always the first to get everyone together, second to none with post-game salads and always generous with his full cooler.

“The community of people who love him will greatly feel his loss.”

“On the pitch, he played big minutes in every position, tough defensively and playing like a half.”

His partner Chloe wrote on Facebook: ‘We are so overwhelmed with all the support we have received. The memories, messages and pictures are all that will get me through it now. Please keep sharing them ❤️

Thank you Lisa Constance for putting up this great page, thank you to everyone who donated, thank you to all our whānau and friends who came, thank you to the Papamoa Bulldogs Rugby League & Sports Club Inc for your continued support. Thank you to Tere’s whānau for accepting me as one of you, and enveloping me in so much love and support.

“I am utterly broken, torn in two. You were the most generous, warm-hearted person on this earth. Our son’s most loving father. You taught me so much and no one will ever come near you.”