Esteban Noriega fought for his life in France.
Argentine rugbier Esteban Noriega, son of Patricio, a former Pumas and the Wallabies player, is thriving in favor after a heart attack he suffered on Sunday while playing in a regional league in France.
Noriega, 32, collapsed on Sunday afternoon in the final minutes of the match played by his team, Unión Rugby Gascon, against Marsacq XV for the Aquitaine League quarterfinals.
The referee of the match was a key actor, as he picked up his cell phone and quickly asked for immediate help that was able to save Noriega’s life.
Esteban Noriega (center, with his shaved head) fell within his own 22 meters before the end of the game on Sunday.
Olivier Courrègelongue, manager of SC Captieux, the club where the match took place, explained that first aid arrived quickly and Noriega was revived.
The first line was transferred by helicopter to the University Hospital of Bordeaux. There, he underwent surgery in the late hours of Sunday, as initial studies showed he had two clogged arteries.
“We were all surprised, but obviously united; we are all by your side. We were on the phone with his father, Patricio Noriega, we tried to reassure him and gave our support. Everyone is together in this difficult moment, we are waiting for good news ”, explained Courrègelongue.
In a reserved prognosis, Noriega’s first hours after surgery were a combination of concern and hope for her family. To his knowledge Clarion, the young man was still in a pharmacological coma on Tuesday and the first signs were positive. Clogged arteries were removed and stents placed.
Patricio Noriega, Esteban’s father, asks for prayer for his son.
There was a tense moment when the doctors informed the family that Esteban had a very high heartbeat and as a result they decided to keep him asleep and with the help of breathing.
Fortunately, over time, Noriega began to breathe on her own and eventually woke up. It was a sign that made the family happy because it was a very desirable first step after many hours of worrying. But the idea is step-by-step.
Prayers and messages of support
The world of rugby is with Patricio Noriega, who at this time is next to his son Esteban, who is hospitalized in Bordeaux.
The Stade Francais coach, Gonzalo Quesada, was one of the Argentines who spoke on his networks: “Strength Esteban, strength Pato, strength to the whole family ???????? Praying for you Steve, let’s go!”.
He was also supported by the Hindu club, which had Patricio as player and coach and Esteban as part of their youth categories.
“Come on Steve! Strength Familia Noriega! All Hindus are with you,” he wrote. And they were also joined by Horacio Agulla and Ramiro Herrera, among other players.
Omar Hasan, a former Los Pumas player and old friend of Patricio, sent a touching message of support through his social networks: “Let us all pray for my dear Esteban Noriega who is fighting for his life. All my support for my dear friend Pato, his wife and the whole family, ”he wrote.
The Noriegas
Patricio Noriega started his career at Hindú, the traditional club owned by Don Torcuato, where he presented himself as a front row player with great projection. From there he caught the attention of Los Pumas, where he made his debut in 1991 and joined the Argentine squad that participated in the 1995 World Cup — he played three games and scored a test —.
A year later, he played in Australia. His high level led him to be summoned by the Wallabies, where he participated in the 1999 World Cup, where he was part of the squad that became champion without having to add minutes.
A back injury, which would cause his retirement, deprived him of playing in the 2003 World Cup.
When he took off his shorts, he returned to Argentina. He coached the Hindu and also in Lomas. Esteban, one of his three sons along with Santiago and Thomas, was trained in the youth of the Don Torcuato club.
Source: Clarin
