5 September 2025

Ten years ago, Maciu’s life changed in an instant. A seasoned rugby player with over two decades of experience, Maciu was playing for the Harlequins Rugby Club when a freak accident during the opening match left him with a complete C4 quadriplegic spinal cord injury.

Just 20 minutes into what was meant to be his final season, Maciu found himself pinned under a ruck clean-out. The game stopped immediately and medical professionals from both teams rushed to his aid. As he lay on the field waiting for the ambulance, he felt the left side of his body burning hot, and that moment marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey.

Maciu was rushed to Box Hill Hospital, where doctors confirmed the severity of his injury: a fractured C5 vertebra and a dislocated C6 crushing his spinal cord. When asked what his first thought on hearing this was, Maciu shares, “I didn’t want to show any emotion after hearing the news because inside me, I believed that with my faith, I will get through this and definitely get back on my feet.”

He was then transferred to Austin Hospital, Victoria’s leading centre for spinal cord injury treatment, and underwent multiple surgeries and a tracheotomy.

“When I first woke up in the ICU, I was totally shocked at the number of machines beeping around my bed,” he says. “We were told to wait six to eight weeks till the swelling reduced for a proper prognosis and to hope for the best but prepare for the worst – wise words that stayed with my wife and me. That’s when reality started to kick in and I knew that this was going to be a tough one.”

Maciu was then transferred to the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre for the next seven months as he relearned how to breathe, eat and speak again. The road to recovery was long and trying to adapt to the new way of life was challenging but despite the physical toll, Maciu’s spirit remained unshaken. He leaned on his faith and the unwavering support of his wife, who sat beside him through it all.

Maciu underwent nerve and tendon transfer surgeries in later years which significantly improved his functionality and independence, and he has since achieved many goals he thought would be impossible following his injury.

Today, Maciu works as a Peer Support Worker at the Royal Talbot, guiding new patients with spinal cord injuries through their recovery journeys. His role involves helping patients set meaningful goals, advocate for their care, and access community support.

“I know how hard it is for everyone on their first day at rehab as the barrage of negative thoughts starts to sink in,” he says. “I’m grateful every day to have the opportunity to show empathy and share my living experience. I support patients, sharing my experience and giving advice on travelling overseas, community access and support available, and much more.”

“The thing that stands out about this experience was the wonderful care, support and words of encouragement from all the medical staff at 3 North and Royal Talbot. It allowed me to focus on what’s important for the long run, and the information and resources they have shared has helped me become who I am today,” he adds.

Maciu’s strength and confidence have grown through adversity, and he continues to enjoy life with his wife and two children. Reflecting on a decade of living with spinal cord injury, he says, “I’ve never stopped learning new things that help me to improve my daily life and I feel I’ve found my purpose in helping people that are facing their own physical and mental struggles in our community.”

This World Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day, Maciu’s story reminds us of the importance of visibility and support, and his story stands as a powerful testament to resilience.