1
'Massive concern' - Worcester waiting for news on Fatialofa neck injury
By Online Editors
Worcester boss Alan Solomons admitted his “massive concern” about the neck injury suffered by replacement Michael Fatialofa in the 62-5 Gallagher Premiership defeat at Saracens.
Fatialofa, a 27-year-old second row from Auckland, had been on the pitch for just over a minute when he was hurt while taking the ball into contact.
Play was held up for almost 10 minutes as he received medical attention and, having been carried from the pitch on a stretcher, he was taken by ambulance to St Mary’s hospital accompanied by the team doctor and a travelling reserve.
“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.”
Solomons refused to criticise his players as they conceded 10 tries in a brutally one-sided clash at Allianz Park that saw Saracens secure the bonus point on the half-hour mark.
The South African felt Worcester were on the receiving end of a backlash after the champions, who have been docked 35 points for being in breach of salary cap regulations, had lost 14-7 at arch-rivals Exeter six days ago.
“We were comprehensively outplayed by a side that played magnificently. They were outstanding and simply too good on the day,” he said.
“We knew they weren’t at their best against Exeter last week and we knew there would be a backlash. We couldn’t stem their momentum.”
McCall admitted the setback at Sandy Park had hurt the club as they continue their desperate battle against relegation.
“When we looked at the Exeter performance properly, it was really frustrating to see our lack of intensity at crucial points,” McCall said.
“We were outworked by Exeter so fair play to them for that, but it’s something we don’t want to happen.
“We want to play with intensity and properly work hard and as we saw here that gives you a lot of good things in rugby. We enjoyed it and we want to enjoy our rugby.
“We did that in the first 30 minutes and got a lot of rewards. The second half was very disjointed because of all the injuries.”
Press Association
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to comments