A rugby player who was left paralysed from the waist down after a 'reckless' tackle has won her high court claim against the opposing player. Dani Czernuszka suffered a spinal fracture during an amateur league match in October 2017, leaving her reliant on a wheelchair.
Mr Justice Spencer ruled on Thursday that Natasha King was liable for the unintentional injuries she caused during the game between Reading Sirens and Bracknell Ladies. The judge found that King 'launched herself' at Czernuszka, who was bent over waiting to receive the ball, driving her backwards and downwards in a dangerous manoeuvre.
The court heard that King and other Bracknell players had been playing 'in an inappropriately aggressive and intimidatory manner' and that King had become 'increasingly frustrated' during the match. The judge said 'the red mist had metaphorically descended' over King's eyes, and she was 'looking for an opportunity to get her revenge'.
Spencer emphasised that the match was a developmental league game, where learning and enjoyment should have been the main objectives. He stated that King's tackle was executed 'with reckless disregard for the claimant's safety' and that she was 'so angry' she closed her eyes to the risk.
After the judgment, Czernuszka expressed gratitude for the ruling, saying she felt 'let down by improper and poor behaviour' from the opposing player, coaching staff, and referee. She added that she does not blame the game of rugby for what happened.
