Namibia centre Le Roux Malan suffered what appeared to be a horrific ankle break during his country’s World Cup game against New Zealand.
In the 19th minute of the match, with Namibia trailing 12-3, Le Roux appeared to lose his footing when attempting to tackle New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett high up the field.
He immediately realised there was a problem and waved for medics, with the referee stopping play as players from both sides put their hands on their heads.
Play was stopped for around seven minutes as the 24-year-old received treatment on an injury that saw his ankle facing the wrong way and the host broadcaster showing pictures away from the incident and no replay.
Players, officials and supporters all clapped Malan off the field of play as he was escorted off on a buggy before play continued.
Messages of support began to pour in for the New England Free Jacks player, with the focus obviously on a rapid recovery.
‘Wishing Le Roux Malan the best of luck with his recuperation,’ one user on X, formerly Twitter, stated.
‘Awful manner for Le Roux Malan’s #RWC2023 to finish and best wishes to him,’ tweeted another.
‘Warm applause from the audience.’
‘Honestly, French Broadcasters, well done for moving away from the injury,’ a third added. ‘Luke Pearce’s expression said it all.
‘Greetings to Le Roux Malan. That is a TERRIFYING one.’
Ugo Monye, a former England player turned pundit, stated on ITV commentary, ‘Oh god. We don’t need that to happen again.’
