Wallabies legend Toutai Kefu is fighting for life after a Brisbane home invasion with police now revealing an axe and machete were used.
Toutai Kefu during Tri Nations Rugby Union match between the Wallabies and the All Blacks.Source:News Limited
Wallabies legend Toutai Kefu was rushed to hospital on Monday morning after being stabbed during a home invasion.
The Australian rugby cult hero was stabbed in the stomach inside his family home in Brisbane during an incident where his wife, son and daughter are also reported to have been injured. All four were taken to hospital in ambulances.
The 47-year-old is undergoing a marathon surgery at the Princess Alexandria Hospital.
Police updated Kefu’s condition on Monday to “critical but expected to survive”.
He was reportedly defending his family after three men broke into their house in Coorparoo around 3am (AEST) on Monday morning.
According to Channel 7, neighbours were woken and raced to the scene to help, holding down one of the alleged offenders who was arrested at the scene.
According to a Queensland Police statement, two men are in police custody. Further offenders fled in a car toward Woolloongabba.
Sunrise’s Brisbane correspondent Bianca Stone reported on Monday morning Kefu was “fighting for life” and described the incident as a “stabbing rampage” and a “large brawl”.
Wallaby Toutai Kefu playing against France in 1998.Source:AFP
The statement released by Queensland Police confirmed a “violent” altercation left four members of the home injured.
Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming has since spoken to media, revealing shocking details about the alleged offenders. He said during a press conference police will attempt to press murder charges against several teenagers in police custody.
Detective Superintendent Fleming said several of the alleged offenders were out on bail for other charges and described the incident as a “burglary gone wrong”, suggesting the alleged offenders were attempting to steal car keys from inside the family home.
“I understand the residents of the house woke to noises inside the house and one of the adults went to investigate those noises,” he said.
“I understand that person was accosted by at least one of the offenders in the premises and threatened to be stabbed if they didn’t hand over vehicle keys.
“Other members of the family came to that person’s aid and during this time very significant injuries occurred to the family as a result of what we will allege is the actions of the offenders who have broken into the family’s home this morning.”
Detective Superintendent Fleming said police seized a knife and an axe at the scene and he believed a machete was also used.
Four people have been rushed to hospital with stab wounds after an altercation broke out. Photo: Brad Fleed.Source:Supplied
An earlier police statement read: “Police have two males in custody following a burglary and wounding in Cooparoo this morning.
“Police were called to Buena Vista Avenue at around 3am in relation to an incident.
“Early information suggested a number of males were disturbed breaking into a dwelling there and a violent altercation left four members of the house injured.
“One male was restrained and taken into custody at the scene.
“Further offenders fled in a car toward Woolloongabba.
“The four injured residents were transported to the Princess Alexander Hospital for treatment. A man in his 40s has serious injuries. Investigators urge witnesses to contact police.”
Queensland Rugby Country Coach, Toutai Kefu. Photo: Marc Robertson.Source:News Corp Australia
Kefu’s wife suffered a significant arm injury, while his son suffered lacerations to his back and abdominals. His daughter suffered a hand injury.
Kefu played 60 times for the Wallabies, including winning the World Cup in 1999, and made 103 appearances for the Queensland Reds during his career.
He became a cult hero when scoring one of the most iconic tries in Bledisloe Cup history in the 2001 series when his last-minute five-pointer saw the Wallabies win the trophy.
Kefu is currently the head coach of the Tongan national team.
Police will be making the strongest objection to the court that the alleged offenders remain in custody.
Rugby world, teammates offer prayers for Kefu
Former teammates and international rugby stars have taken to social media to show public support for the former No. 8 lock forward.
Code-hopping superstar Sonny Bill Williams wrote on Twitter: “Thoughts and prayers are with my Tongan brother Toutai Kefu & his family”.
Wallabies great Tim Horan, Kefu’s former teammate, posted on Twitter: “Thoughts and prayers to Kef and the family”.
Another of Kefu’s former Wallabies teammates Own Finegan wrote: “This is crazy stuff. Thoughts and prayers with Kef and his family”.
Former Wallaby and current member of the Tongan international team coached by Kefu, Cooper Vuna wrote: “Keep fighting coach! We are all here with you. Ofa Atu Toutai Kefu”.
Former Wallaby Digby Ioane also posted a message with heart and prayer symbol emojis.
Former Wallaby Matt Cockbain posted: “Just awful, thinking of the Kefus”.
The official Wallabies Twitter account also offered its support: “You got this great man!! All our love and thoughts to you and the entire Kefu family”.
Brisbane stabbing: Wallabies legend Toutai Kefu injured at Coorparoo home