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NOVEMBER 7, 2024
Zac plans summer rehab By Andy Campbell
One of the heroes of King Country’s dramatic Lochore Cup win over West Coast last month has his fingers crossed about his left knee. Zac Wickham-Darlington’s biggest game ended early on October 20 as he twisted the knee going into a first half tackle – and it looked as though the injury could be serious. But Wickham-Darlington is hoping to get word soon that he faces recovery spell of just six weeks – meaning a “big off season rehab” which sees him ready for the start of next season. The injury cost Wickham-Darlington a chance of Heartland XV selection – and he has set that as a target for 2025. “It wasn’t the tackle that actually did the damage - I did a left foot step immediately before going into the tackle, so it was just off a side step,” he explained. The two West Coast players heard him cry out in pain and immediately got off him, something he acknowledged. “We’ve always had a good relationship with those fellas - probably one of the most respectful teams we’ve come up against, year after year,” he said. Wickham-Darlington spent the rest of the game in a knee brace on the sideline as the Rams took the cup in extra time 46-44. He made it to the after match, where it was found the Lochore Cup topped out with the beer from three stubbies. “I was walking at the after match. I was still walking around for the most part of it. It was an awesome night, a lot of the boys stayed together later and went back to one of boys houses to carry on.” Wickham-Darlington moved from Te Kūiti to Hamilton about three years ago – but continues to play for Bush in the King Country club competition. He is a social worker in Hamilton working with young offenders, and is often in court for
them. He also assists with their rehabilitation – everything from helping them into work to assisting them obtain their driving licences. His season with King Country came to an abrupt end – and had a hiccough in between. Wife Shelley – Shelz - gave birth to their daughter Brisbyn in mid-September and for three weeks beforehand the midwife was worried baby could come at any minute. “It affected my away trips, basically two
Wickhgames out… I couldn’t play because I was worried if I left I would miss out.” Wickham-Darlington learned his rugby at Hamilton Boys High School and New Plymouth Boys High. The family had moved back to Te Kūiti when he accepted a rugby scholarship at New Plymouth. It was a timely offer because it saved his parents the issue of juggling transport for schooling in Hamilton.
In 2015, in Year 10, Darlington was playing for New Plymouth Boys High, then continued his education at Hamilton Boys High. His plans for next season are to continue wearing the Bush colours, get back into the King Country team “and make a good solid effort to get into that NZ Heartland team next year.” Teammates Kristian Gent-Standen and Kaleb Foote represented the province in this season’s team.
Pictured at home in Hamilton, Zac Wickham-Darlington with Shelley, baby Brisbyn, baby’s rams soft toy and Chavée, 15.
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