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All Blacks legend in hospital

28/05/2007

All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke is in hospital after suffering serious head injuries in Spain.

The former New Zealand star has had surgery to relieve pressure on his brain after falling out of a taxi in Valencia.

His brother, Robin Brooke, said his injuries are serious but not life-threatening and his wife Ally is at his bedside.

According to reports, the 42-year-old is having trouble talking after the fall.

Brooke has been in Spain as coach of the British Barbarians side on their summer tour of Tunisia and Spain.

He was leading a party of 25 players on a tour which includes a Sky Sports television crew.

Brooke suffered his injuries while the touring party was in the town of Elche, 200km south of Valencia.

Brooke played 58 Tests as a loose forward for the All Blacks and also coached Guinness Premiership side Harlequins.

He played mainly as a number eight and was regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation.

His 17 test tries were a record for a forward and he also kicked three dropped goals in Tests.

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