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Fatialofa remains in specialist hospital with family at bedside
By Ian Cameron
Worcester Warriors lock Michael Fatialofa is to spend a second night in hospital following a significant neck injury suffered against Saracens at Allianz Park.
Family members remain at his bedside at St Mary's Hospital in London, a hospital that specialises in head and neck injuries.
Play was held up for nearly 10 minutes as he received medical attention and, having been carried from the pitch on a stretcher, he was taken by ambulance to hospital where he continues to be assessed.
A statement from the club this evening read:
"Warriors lock Michael Fatialofa will spend a second night in St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington where his condition continues to be assessed.
"Fatialofa was taken from the pitch on a stretcher after he was injured in a collision shortly after he came on as a replacement in Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership match against Saracens at Allianz Park.
"We will provide a further update on Michael’s condition when we have one.
"On behalf of Michael we would like to thank all those who have passed on messages of support and concern."
There's been an outpouring of well wishes for the 6'6, 114kg New Zealander, who joined Worcester in 2018.
Alan Solomons spoke of his 'massive concern' for the player yesterday.
“For me, a neck injury like that is a massive concern and I am worried about it, but I haven’t had any report from the hospital,” Solomons said.
“It seemed like he dropped his head as he went into contact, but I haven’t studied the footage. It seems like he’s taken a blow to the neck.
“The medics have taken all precautions and have done everything possible. We’ve contacted his partner to let her know.”
Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall added: “Our thoughts are with Michael Fatialofa. It didn’t look great. His health is the most important thing.”
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Latest Comments
Vaai is finally having his breakout year getting comfortable and showing great form at lock, and there are form players and experience all across the backrow, why on earth would you drop him to 6. Ridiculous
Go to commentsSo far, the All Blacks have won 8 matches out of 11 this year. That is a near 73% win rate. AB fans and, I assume, the team itself are not content with that and have everything to play for with the remaining 3 tests this year.
Their historical average is something like 77% these days and, although some years will always be better than others it is not likely to drop that dramatically to 70% any time soon. There is too much historical inertia on the stats. It is like saying Ireland’s form of the last 10 years or so is likely to reverse a historical average of 48% wins soon. It just isn’t.
Moreover, when you say they are ‘doomed’ to a 70% flatline are you not just assuming that Ireland will beat them again? How did that work out for you last time?
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