In an upsetting turn of events on Saturday, a distressing incident transpired at the Silverdale Rugby Club, where a rugby player collapsed after a head collision during a match. Adding to the intensity was the fact that the player’s life was saved by none other than his wife, who administered CPR. St John was promptly alerted to the medical emergency at 3:30 pm and quickly dispatched two rapid response units and an ambulance. The patient was then conveyed to Auckland Hospital in critical condition.
The incident occurred during a match between Silverdale Rugby (SURSC) Under 85s and the Massey Panthers at the Silverdale grounds. Onlookers and fans were left in shock as the player from Massey lay motionless on the ground. Eyewitnesses described the tense atmosphere as the player was treated with a defibrillator and CPR.
The gravity of the situation was heightened by the recent tragedy involving rugby player Cory Heather, who tragically passed away after suffering a head injury during a match at Beachlands Maraetai a few weeks prior. Nicci Budler, a supporter of Silverdale who was present at the game, expressed her unease, stating, “It was an uneasy feeling especially after what happened at Beachlands just a few weeks ago.”
According to eyewitnesses, the Massey player appeared to have a seizure on the field, with his son, who was also playing, rushing over to seek help. It was reported that the player had seemingly recovered from a knock to the head moments before the distressing episode occurred. The match was momentarily halted as the player was attended to and later transported to the hospital in an ambulance after receiving extended care from St John.
Subsequent updates on a WhatsApp group revealed that the player had suffered a heart attack and was placed in an induced coma. Fortunately, his wife, who is an ICU nurse, administered proficient CPR and utilized a defibrillator to stabilize him. Messages from the group also indicated that the player underwent a procedure to have stents inserted and was currently under observation. Encouragingly, it was shared that brain scans had returned clear, signifying positive progress in his condition.
At the time of writing, the Massey Rugby Club had yet to provide a comment on the incident. The news of the player’s ordeal has undoubtedly resonated deeply within the rugby community, with both the players and spectators affected by the distressing turn of events.
As the community awaits further updates on the player’s recovery, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks and the need for prompt and proficient medical care in sports. We extend our best wishes for the player’s recovery and hope to see him back on the field soon.