“But surviving was only the beginning.
Shane Varley, who played 11 tests for the Kiwis, has been left unable to walk after serious health problems. Photo / Photosport
“Shane woke up to a completely different life. He can no longer walk.”
The 71-year-old former league player was described as an active and independent person and losing the ability to walk has been “soul-destroying”.
“He needs support with daily care, mobility and safety, along with ongoing rehabilitation to give him the best possible chance of regaining independence.
“Over the next two years, he will need rehabilitation, specialist appointments, psychological support, mobility equipment, transport and additional care that may not be funded.”
So far, Varley has received $3475 in donations, including from the Leigh Past Players group, one of the teams he played for in England.
He played 23 times for the English club in 1983, scoring 12 points from three tries.
In New Zealand, the 71-year-old was a key member of Richmond’s back-to-back Fox Memorial grand final wins in 1979 and 1980 and was named as a member of the club’s team of the century in 2013.
Richmond have encouraged people to donate to his cause and praised his contributions to the club.
“Many people know Old Boy Shane Varley as a teammate, clubman, and friend,” he club said in a statement.
“He is someone who has dedicated years to the rugby league community, always willing to lend a hand, share his knowledge, support others, and proudly wear the Richmond colors [sic].”
The former halfback debuted for Auckland in 1975 and earned his first call-up to the Kiwis for the 1978 tour of Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Varley would also feature in New Zealand’s 1980 tour of Britain and France, where he featured in seven minor matches, and the 1982 tour of Australia.
His final run with the Kiwis came in 1984 after he started all three tests at home against Great Britain in the No 7 jersey, with New Zealand pulling off a 3-0 whitewash against the touring side.