Fatialofa remains in specialist hospital with family at bedside

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.

https://twitter.com/WorcsWarriors/status/1213552532267634689
https://twitter.com/tomwood678/status/1213906179811876870
https://twitter.com/AllBlacks/status/1213919493048549376
https://twitter.com/IamAustinHealey/status/1213549229739794434
https://twitter.com/goatteeboy/status/1213757731896791040

Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael Fatialofa of @WorcsWarriors wishing you a swift and full recovery?

— Brad Barritt (@bradbarritt) January 4, 2020

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.”