LISTEN: Former Springbok rugby player shares details of horrific attack
In an exclusive interview on Breakfast with Martin Bester, former Springbok Grant Esterhuizen opened up about an attack he suffered following Saturday's rugby match in Mbombela.
Former Springbok centre Grant Esterhuizen, 46, suffered a horrific unprovoked attack after Saturday's test match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Mbombela Stadium.
According to Esterhuizen, the attack did not take place at the stadium itself, but rather at a local nightclub in Mbombela.
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"We went to quite a popular nightclub and had a splendid time," he said. "I got told my friends were wanting to leave and as I was waiting outside to get back into the club, the bouncer wouldn't let me back in.
"We were standing outside [the club] and this one guy comes to me and says he feels like he wants to hit me," Esterhuizen told Martin Bester.
"I turned my back towards him and carried on with my conversation and the next thing I got hit really hard from the side. That's pretty much the last of what I can remember."
Esterhuizen added that he believes the attackers were part of a biker gang. He said he had tried to defend himself but was knocked out after getting hit by a helmet.
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The former Lions star also added that the attack was completely unprovoked.
"I'm pretty straightforward. When I have a couple of drinks, I always say I'm a lover and not a fighter. This was just one of those random acts of violence. The guys looked like they belonged to a motorcycle club. They were out to hurt someone."
Luckily, the assault has not caused any lasting damage, beyond headaches and bruises. However, Esterhuizen will consult with an eye specialist this week.
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The former rugby player posted the pictures to his social media on Tuesday night.
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