Today the Seadogs, the presidents grade  rugby team I play for, played Ponsonby RFC. In presidents grade rugby players have to be over 35 years of age. Ponsonby is Auckland’s oldest rugby club and the home club for dozens of All Blacks including player like Dave Gallagher, Joe Stanley, Craig Innes, Carlos Spencer, Va’aiga Tuigamala, Sam Tuitupo, Ali Williams… the list goes on.

Their presidents grade team is strong but not strong enough to beat us. In one move I popped-up on the ‘wrong’ wing and took a pass in what I though was space. What I didn’t realise was there was a large Samoan tracking across in defence. I am not sure exactly what happened but there was a full-on head clash and I came off the worst. Once I’d composed myself I felt fine, but clearly had a significant gash to my forehead (you could tell by the way people were staring at me slightly shocked).

My team mate, David DeCleene, is clearly far more familiar with the potential serious  and sometime delayed consequences of head injuries and insists on driving me to Ponsonby’s White Cross (doctors’ surgery). The medical staff are impressed with the scale of the gash with several popping in to  my room to take a look and pass comment.

Anyway, 12 stitches later and I was back in one piece and returned to Ponsonby RFC for a couple of beers and recover  my car before heading back to St Heliers.

Over the following weeks I had to return to Ponsonby’s White Cross for an appointment with a plastic surgeon and regular check-ups. The plastic surgeon chap prescribed a sort of plaster with a clear jelly layer – a very expensive prescription – which he convices me is worth the investment.  I am told to apply these plasters overnight.

I am sceptical but fearing a ridiculous scar down the middle of my forehead for the rest of my life spend the money and follow the nightly routine. Low and behold, as time passes the scar disappears !!