National MP Mark Mitchell says he broke two ribs while playing for the Parliamentary Rugby Team in a Northland charity game over the weekend.
The National MP, who holds the Sport and Recreation portfolio, was taken to hospital by his wife following the Capital Cup clash at Russell Sports Club, part of the Rumble in Russell event organised by the Rugby for Life Charitable Trust.
The annual fixture, in its second year in Russell, brings together Members of Parliament, All Black legends and media personalities for a free community day in the Bay of Islands. Russell ultimately won 22–10, retaining the Graham Thorn Cup.
This year's event also featured a new addition with the Parliamentary Ferns netball team, who opened the day against an RSC Invitational side. Russell won the Dame Jenny Shipley Cup.
Mitchell was back in Wellington by Monday for what he described as "a big week," and had one request for well-wishers in a post to Facebook:
"If you are sending me a message, please don't make it a funny one — you know what it's like when you've got a couple of broken ribs," he joked.
"Laughing and coughing are the two things you want to try and avoid."
He hailed some of those participating who drove from the capital for the event after their flights were cancelled due to bad weather on Friday.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB on Monday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he had often been approached to join the Parliamentary side.
"I think I'd be a great first five or winger, but we are legends in our own mind at this age and stage, right?" he told host Mike Hosking.
"These guys get kitted up and out they go for a bit of a run, and they blow their hamstrings."
He said 1News sports presenter Andrew Saville and NZ First's Shane Jones were among those who may be feeling worse for wear.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including11 people dead in France after a plane crash and a surprise cricket retirement. (Source: 1News)
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