A Nelson rugby player has suffered a career-ending injury which left him stricken on the field for an hour.
Nelson Rugby Football Club loose forward Kwaid Ahhoi said he’s now “doing a lot better”, but the injury has forced him to hang up his boots.
Ahhoi suffered a serious neck injury in the second half of Nelson’s division two clash against Waimea Old Boys at Trafalgar Park on Saturday, causing the game to be abandoned.
Players from both teams huddled with arms linked around Ahhoi as he received treatment and waited for an ambulance to arrive for about an hour.
Nelson club manager Chris Pugh told the Herald the incident happened about 2pm.
Pugh said CT and MRI scans have come back “okay”.
“So [it’s] cleared, there’s no major damage at all to his neck.”
In a post on Facebook on Sunday, Ahhoi shared a photo of himself in a neck brace and said he’s “doing a lot better than yesterday which is a positive note”.
“Unfortunately I will be hanging up the boots (not by choice),” he wrote. “Yesterday was my 65th cap for NRFC and will be the last.”
He thanked the club and “everyone who’s checked in on me”.
“Been overwhelmed with love and support within the last 24 hours.”
In a statement on Facebook, Nelson Rugby Club said “it’s never a nice thing to see a player carried from the field”.
“Kwaid and his family would like to let you all know that he is doing well but has an unknown recovery time ahead.”
Kwaid Ahhoi suffered a serious neck injury over the weekend, with players from both teams kneeling around him as he waited for an ambulance. Photo / Lisa Trusler / Waimea Old Boys RFC
Waimea club manager Shar Lowe told the Herald the club wanted to support Nelson and Kwaid on the day, which led to the decision to abandon the game.
Lowe said the club sends “best wishes” to Kwaid on his recovery.
Pugh said Ahhoi will be a big loss for the club.
“It’s a huge loss because he’s a fantastic club man. But totally understand and have no qualms about it at all. And he’s promised that he’s going to be on the sidelines supporting the boys 100%.”
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