All Blacks star Ardie Savea is wearing rugby goggles today in the Rugby World Cup Test against Canada.
The loose forward has trialled them during training this week in Japan, after previously learning his eye sight in his left eye had deteriorated.
World Rugby approved the use of the goggles at all levels of rugby earlier this year to allow those who are visually impaired to play the game.
New Zealand say the type of goggles Savea will wear have been approved by World Rugby, and are designed to be safe for both the player wearing them and those coming into contact with him.
It comes after Italian player Ian McKinley becoming the first international player to wear the goggles.
Savea explains: "A couple of years ago I realised I had bad vision in my left eye. Everything’s kind of blurry.
"I told All Blacks Doctor Tony Page that it was getting worse and now we’re doing something about it. Doc notified me that World Rugby had some goggles that were approved and everyone has been really supportive.
"In terms of vision and seeing, it’s pretty sweet, and it’s now just a matter of getting used to them."
Savea admitted that when he realised he could potentially lose his sight if his other eye was damaged, then it was an easy decision to make.
"I’ve got my little girl and hopefully future kids and a bigger family, so I want to be able to see. I’m just thinking of the bigger picture and trying to protect my eyes."
Dr Page said Savea wore the goggles at training in Beppu this week, and they hadn’t affected his ability to play the game, so he is ready to wear them as the All Blacks take on Canada.
"It’s probably been the most challenging conditions that you can get [to test them], he said.
"Humidity at up to 90 percent, 20 degrees (temperature) or so, and hard All Blacks training, and he’s done pretty well. It’s great to see someone like Ardie putting them on and being proud of it."
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