Club rallies round as player collapses (From Daily Echo)

Romsey Rugby Club rallies round as tighthead prop Alex Hill collapses during Trojans match

11:35am Friday 11th February 2011 in Rugby By Clive Downton

A HAMPSHIRE rugby club is rallying round the family of a teenage player who collapsed just an hour after a game.

Players and staff rushed to give lifesaving treatment to Romsey’s Alex Hill who collapsed after a match.

It is understood the 19-year-old stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated as he lay in the car park of Romsey Sports Centre.

He was rushed to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance and is currently in the neurological unit where he is undergoing tests.

The drama happened after the club’s match against a Trojans side.

Club coach Gary Banks said shocked staff from both Romsey and Trojans dashed to the young prop’s aid as he lay on the ground.

He said: “There were still some of our guys around, some of the medical team, and some of Trojans and their guys were just as helpful as anyone else, which just shows the spirit of rugby.

“No one is quite clear about it at the moment but he obviously has taken a facial injury because he had a blood injury to his nose which his mum was treating on the sidelines.

“They are doing all sort of scans on him at the moment.”

Southampton Solent University student Alex, from Nursling, has played for the club as a junior and colt.

He was picked to represent Romsey’s first team last Saturday but commitments meant he could not travel to the away match, so instead turned out for the seconds.

“He was due to play tighthead for the first team on the Isle of Wight over at Ventnor but because he had to work he couldn’t make the trip because he wouldn’t be back in time,” added Mr Banks.

“The guy lives for his rugby and he is a very good player.

“Obviously the club is full of support and wish him, his mum and sister best wishes for a speedy recovery. Everyone is thinking of him.”

A hospital spokesman last night said Alex was in a “stable” condition.