Up to 15 international rugby jerseys were stolen in a burglary of former All Black Leon MacDonald's Blenheim home over the weekend.
Police said the offenders took the jerseys from a garage adjoining MacDonald's house in the early hours of Sunday morning.
All of the jerseys are easily identifiable, with game dates and include some of MacDonald's own All Blacks jerseys with his name woven into the fabric. Others are jerseys he has swapped with players from other countries.
MacDonald confronted the offenders on his property and they verbally threatened him before taking off. Police were called but were unable to locate the pair. It wasn't until some hours later that the theft of the jerseys was noticed.
Marlborough Acting Senior Sergeant Julian Lewis said it was possible the offenders had not realised the sentimental value of the property they took.
"Leon's put in a lot of hard work earning these jerseys and representing our country and we'd dearly love to be able to return them to him. Nobody else has the right to have these jerseys and if anyone is offered one I'd urge them to do the right thing and call Police," he said.
The two offenders are described as in their teens, one Caucasian and one part Maori. The Caucasian is believed to have a nose piercing.
Anyone with information that might help identify the offenders or information that might assist in recovering the jerseys should call Blenheim Police, Ph 578 5279. Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers Ph 0800 555 111.
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Media inquiries to Tasman Police Communications Manager Ph 0274780853