Braden "Larry" Coates

Braden Coates (or as some may know him as Larry) suffered a serious spinal injury dislocating his C4 C5/C6 vertebraes in his neck during a Waikato senior club rugby game in Taupiri on Saturday 1st July 2017. He was proudly representing his Southern United Club from Tokoroa, when the blindside flanker, who unfortunately was the victim of a freak accident in the breakdown, simply due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is a risk any rugby player could endure at any time. Braden is the first rugby player to suffer a serious Spinal injury during a match in New Zealand this year.

Braden is a 25 year old who is 50/50 share milking on a dairy farm near Tokoroa, who loves all outdoor activities but especially his hunting and fishing.

At the moment Braden has limited arm movement and unfortunately no movement from his chest down. Not only has Braden's rugby ambitions been put on hold, Braden's livelihood has been totally affected. A bright and breezy person who lights up a room, is also the first person to lend a hand when others need help.

Now it is our time to help Braden, whether as members of the rugby world or of the farming community we can all realise the massive road ahead and the unlimited financial burden that will befall Braden, his partner and his family. Your input will take a few bumps out of the journey ahead.

Braden spent 2 weeks in Middlemore and is now in the Otara Spinal Unit, going through the very early stages of rehabilitation. His family and partner are by his side 24/7, incurring huge costs and spending time off their farm/jobs at this busy time of the year.