Former Blues rugby midfielder Matt Johnson is battling for his life after open heart surgery. Wilma McCorkindale/Stuff Buxton Popoali’i suffered rheumatic heart disease growing up in Porirua. For Popoali'i, rheumatic fever not only cut short a promising rugby career, it nearly cost him his life. Popoali'i's aorta was replaced and one heart valve is now made of metal. While his heart is functioning properly, he will require daily medication and blood thinners for the rest of his life.

Source: Stuff June 03, 2020 03:00 UTC