A BOROUGH rugby player has been left fighting for his mobility after sustaining a serious neck injury in a horror incident during a game at the weekend.
Silhillians rugby player Lee Jones was playing in the club’s 1st XV Midland League One fixture against Crewe and Nantwich when he was tackled and fell awkwardly onto his back.
The 35-year-old was driving towards the try-line in his usual robust style when the injury occurred.
Lee was treated on the pitch before being taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham where he was operated on throughout the night.
It was discovered that Lee had dislocated vertebrae four and five and had no movement below the shoulders.
The hooker also underwent a tracheostomy on Tuesday which created an opening at the front of his neck so a tube could help him breathe.
A former captain at the club, Lee is now in a stable condition and will be assessed further over the coming days.
Hundreds of messages on social media from people passing on their best wishes have been sent for the senior player who has spent over 16 years at the club and came through the club’s junior section.
A statement from Silhillians Rugby Club said: “Lee and his family are in our thoughts daily and his rugby family will be rallying round to help them through this difficult time.”
It is likely that Lee will be transferred to the spinal unit in Oswestry before the end of the week.
The rugby club has asked that the public to respect the family’s privacy as they concentrate on Lee’s recovery.
