World Cup-winning former Australian rugby player Toutai Kefu had to undergo surgery after he suffered “significant injuries” in an attack by intruders at his home in Brisbane.

       Two 15-year-olds were arrested in relation to the break-in, which left the former Wallabies player fighting for his life.

       Kefu, who won the World Cup with the Wallabies in 1999, suffered serious stab wounds to his liver and multiple injuries in his abdomen after three males broke into his home at 3am.

       His wife Rachel, daughter, and son were also injured and taken to hospital. The attackers were allegedly armed with an axe, a knife and a machete, an official said.

       Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming, of Queensland state police, described the incident as “brutal and violent”.

       Recommended Katie Hopkins claims to be back in Australia after deportation for flouting Covid rules Australia administers one million Covid vaccine doses within four days The vanishing hikers and the mystery of the mountains

       He said one family member woke up and was faced by at least one of the intruders before “other members of the family then came to that person’s aid and during that time very significant injuries occurred to the family”.

       “It is highly likely a burglary that has gone wrong,” he added.

       The two teenagers have been taken into custody. One of them was held by neighbours before the police arrived at the scene.

       Police forensics officers at the home of Toutai Kefu in Brisbane

       (EPA)

       Supt Fleming said that while Kefu is recovering, his wife “suffered very, very serious lacerations to her arm and I’m told her wounds are very significant”.

       The couple’s 21-year-old son was left with arm and back wounds, and their 18-year-old daughter was injured on her hand and arm.

       Police forensics officers examine the scene of the violent home invasion

       (EPA)

       The rugby community messaged its support for the family.

       Wallabies great Tim Horan posted on Twitter: “Thoughts and prayers to Kef and the family.”

       Another Wallaby and former teammate, Owen Finegan, wrote: “This is crazy stuff. Thoughts and prayers with Kef and his family.”

       And former England captain Sir Bill Beaumont said: “All my thoughts are with Toutai Kefu & his family at this difficult time. The global rugby family is with them, sending our strength & support.”

       Recommended Magpie attack leads to death of baby girl in Australia Australia borders: Citizens living overseas could be ‘trapped’ if they return Australia to pay reparations to ‘stolen generation’ indigenous children

       Tonga-born Kefu played 60 tests for the Wallabies during his international career between 1997 and 2003. He took up coaching for Tonga’s national team in 2016.