Former Australian rugby player Toutai Kefu and three of his relatives suffered “serious injuries” during an attack on them inside their Brisbane home.
The former Rugby World Cup winner and fame is now the Tonga team’s coach. He had been rushed to hospital with severe stab wounds on his abdomen, authorities said.
What Happened?
Police said the family woke up early Monday morning to find people trying to steal their car.
The intruders allegedly had an ax, a knife and a machete with them.
A 15-year-old boy faces the charge of attempted murder. Queensland police said another boy aged 15 years was also taken in custody and was searching for the third suspect.
Burglary That Didn’t Go Well
“It could be a burglary that didn’t go well,” said Detective Superintendent Tony Tony Fleming.
Ex-Wallabies star Kefu, 47, is recovering in hospital after the surgery.
Supt Fleming said Kefu’s wife, 46, was “badly injured in the arm and I was told her injuries were very serious”.
Australian media reported that the couple’s 21-year-old son had visible deep bruises on his arm and back, and their 18-year-old daughter had cuts on her arm and hand region.
“I just think this will have a lasting impact on the family because of the trauma,” said Supt Fleming.
Well Wishes
Kefu played 60 tests for the Wallabies between 1997 and 2003. He began coaching Tonga’s national team in 2016.
“You’ve got this great man !! All our love and thoughts for you and the whole Kefu family !!” said the Wallabies Twitter account on Monday.
The All Blacks wrote: “Our thoughts are with Toutai Kefu and his family at this time. He is a hero on the field and leader off the field!
