Hugh Renton's more grateful than most for a second chance at rugby.
"It's a bit of a shock being 16 or 17 and then being told you'll never play rugby again and you'll need emergency surgery on your neck," said Renton.
Why? Well, here's the bizarre part.
"Woke up one day at about 4am with just the worst pain down my arm and back.
"I'd played a bit of rugby before so you're kind of used to pain, but nothing like this. It was like a hot burning knife being sliced down your back and arm."
Nerve damage had led to his back being paralysed and all of a sudden rugby was out of the question.
Even everyday activities were a battle.
"All my back was paralysed so I couldn't talk on the phone.
"I could move it slightly but couldn't get the phone up, couldn't brush my teeth."
Hawke's Bay coach Craig Philpott had never come across something like that.
"A little bit of the unknown really," admitted Philpott. "He didn't know if he'd ever play rugby again."
And it really did take a miracle. Renton was all set for emergency surgery, but still had one question.
"I just asked if I'd play rugby again and they said 'nah, you'll never play again'"
'I was in shock, I think I just blacked out. Then about twenty minutes later they rushed in, burst through the doors and said it's a miracle.
"I don't know what's happened but it's all clear you don't need emergency surgery and then all these doctors and about 20 people all around just cheering.
It still meant months and months of recovery but after an event like that, Renton had a new perspective on life.
If you're a high school star you can imagine being told you'll never play again is pretty tough, but Renton's a smart guy and is working towards a Bachelor of Science at Massey University.
"My parents always taught me it was smart to have a back-up option and at Lindisfarne college they always put academics first, so I've always had that, and my sister's pretty smart so i have to keep up with her."
Now he's back starting for the Magpies and it's a testament to his skill and persona that the Hurricanes signed him, even though he was still recovering.
He didn't play, but whenever Chris Boyd calls him up for a Super Rugby debut, he'll be happy - and now able - to pick up the phone.
Newshub.
