Medics praised after rugby tragedy is averted

MEDICAL staff have been praised after averting  tragedy during Rotherham Titans’ controversial win over Nottingham.

Experienced centre Jonny Hepworth needed urgent attention to clear his airway after suffering a bludgeoning knee in the face from visiting forward Sione Kalamafoni.

And Titans coach Andre Bester admitted: “Our doctor thought he was going to lose the player in front of his eyes.”

Hepworth was quickly revived and was able to walk off with help, but it was only after the game that the Clifton Lane club realised how tragic the outcome could had been.

Tongan captain Kalamafoni, making his debut for the Midlands club, was also involved in a similar incident which has left Richard Welding out for two weeks.

Rotherham have cited Kalamafoni to the RFU and have called for disciplinary chiefs to act strongly to prevent any further instances. He was seen on the official match DVD to lead into the tackle with his right knee.

Hepworth will be out for three weeks with severe concussion and Welding, who has neck and head injuries, for a fortnight.

Prop Rob O’Donnell also broke a leg and dislocated an ankle in a tackle by the Tongan, although in that instance there was no element of cynicism. He will be out for several months.

Bester yesterday praised both the club medics, led by doctor Chris Myers, and his players for the way they responded.

He said: “Our doctor thought he was losing the player in front of his eyes.

“Thankfully Jonny was able to walk away but he is still very sore, can’t turn his neck and he can’t remember anything about the game."