A Welsh rugby match was abandoned after a player sustained a worrying neck injury.
The Admiral League Division 3 East game between Tredegar Ironsides and Abercarn was cut short at half-time, with one of the home backs receiving attention from physios from both clubs. The referee took the decision to end proceedings with the scores tied at 5-5.
A paramedic arrived on the scene and carried out a number of tests on the incapacitated player. Happily, the bump wasn’t found to be as serious as first feared. But, initially, there was much concern.
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“It looked quite serious,” said a Tredegar Ironsides spokesperson. "The player in question wasn’t moved. The boy was on the floor in the middle of the field. Physios from both clubs were attending him. They covered him in coats and umbrellas because it was raining heavily.
“The match was abandoned as it was wet and cold and we didn’t know how long we’d be out there with the injured player. You can’t just leave the other 29 players waiting around not knowing when the game might restart with the weather not great. So the referee did the right thing in knocking the game on the head early.”
The Ironsides were able to report on social media afterwards that the injured player had made a full recovery. “The paramedic turned up and carried out tests and, initially, they were going to get a spinal board to put the player on,” continued the club spokesperson. “But after a while the feeling started to come back. The boy was able to walk from the field. The feeling is he suffered a bad stinger.”
The Ironsides praised the work of those who helped the injured player: “All of the people involved did their jobs. Physios on both sides were looking after him, the referee was in control, the paramedic took charge and did what needed to be done on turning up. Abercarn rugby club were understanding, supportive and helpful.
“Everything was done to the protocols, and the key thing is it turned out to be a good result for the boy. He’s fine now and with the autumn internationals coming up, he probably won’t play before December, so he’ll have a long rest.
“We’re all playing the game for fun, and people come together when something like this happens. The key thing is to ensure the safety of the player.”
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called on Saturday (22 October) shortly after 3pm to reports of an incident at Tredegar Rugby Club. We sent one rapid response vehicle to the scene, but no further treatment was required.”
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