The classy Highlanders fullback made an emotional return from injury when he played 48 minutes for Taieri against Alhambra-Union in a Dunedin division 1 club game in Mosgiel on Saturday.
It was almost six months to the day since he broke a vertebrae in his neck while playing in a Ranfurly Shield defence for Taranaki.
"It’s a big occasion for me," Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens told the Otago Daily Times after the game.
"I was just keen to get out there and shake off the nerves.
"I think I wanted to just get that first carry, and make that first tackle, as early as possible so I could reassure myself that my neck is fine, and everything is strong.
"Once I got past that, I thought I could just play my normal game."
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 23, was injured near the end of the first half in the NPC game against Tasman and had emergency surgery when scans revealed the fracture of one of his neck vertebrae.
He said tests had indicated his neck was now stronger than it was before the injury.
The path back to the rugby field had been difficult to navigate, he said.
"Yeah, it’s been pretty tough.
"I think at the very start of it ... I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to play rugby again, because it was quite serious.
"The rehabbing was tough. But I had the goal in sight — today, the day I got to be back on a rugby field.
"It all feels worth it."
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens had his partner, Silver Ferns netballer Maddy Gordon, supporting him in Mosgiel.
The Highlanders have lost another fullback, rising star Finn Hurley, to a season-ending injury, and there seems little doubt Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will be back in action in Super Rugby very soon.
"My mindset tells me I will be good for next week.
"I want to get back out there. I want to contribute to the team, and whenever Jamie Joseph gives me that opportunity, I’ll be sure to take it."
