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.
Namibia’s Le Roux Malan suffered a horrific ankle injury during his side’s game against New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup
Play was halted for seven minutes as the centre received treatment and oxygen on the field
Messages of support began flooding in for the New England Free Jacks player, with wishes for a speedy recovery clearly the focus.
‘Wishing Le Roux Malan all the best with his recovery,’ said one user on X, formerly Twitter.
‘Awful way for Le Roux Malan’s #RWC2023 to come to an end and wish him all the best,’ said another.
‘Warm applause from the crowd.’
‘Honestly well done French Broadcasters for moving away from the injury,’ a third added. ‘Luke Pearce’s face said it all.
‘Sending wishes to Le Roux Malan. That’s one which is HORRIFIC.’
Former England-man-turned-pundit, Ugo Monye said on ITV commentary: ‘Oh gosh. We don’t need a replay of that.’
Players watched on as medical staff quickly attended to Le Roux and took him off the pitch
Namibia are one of the worst ranked sides at the World Cup in France and suffered a heavy 52-8 defeat to Italy in their opening game of the tournament.
They are on their way to another hammering by New Zealand as the All Blacks look to hit back following a loss to host nation and favourites France on the opening night of the competition.
Namibia still have to face France and Uruguay in the pool stage and will almost certainly finish bottom of pool A come its conclusion.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will play fixtures against Italy and Uruguay before their own pool stage is up.
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