A Welsh rugby player was taken to hospital after suffering a suspected serious neck injury in the final minutes of a match. Rhys Powell was in action for Rhigos RFC in their clash with Tonmawr RFC on Saturday when he was injured in a collision with just a few minutes left on the clock.
He was immediately attended to by Tonmawr's first-team physio, Lloyd Thomas, who is also a professional paramedic, as he received medical treatment on the pitch. Powell was then fitted with a neck brace and loaded on to a spinal board, before being carried off the field and into the Tonmawr physio room for further treatment.
Physio praised for emergency response
He was later taken to hospital, with Thomas staying by his side for hours as they waited for the ambulance to arrive. The physio's response to the incident has been praised by both clubs, having gone "above and beyond" to put player safety first.
Following the match - which saw the hosts emerge as 38–19 winners - Tonmawr issued a statement praising Thomas for his "professionalism and dedication" in handling the matter.
"Toward the end of yesterday’s senior match, a Rhigos RFC player suffered a suspected serious neck injury," the statement read. "We are incredibly grateful that our first-team physio and professional paramedic, Lloyd Thomas, was pitch-side to take immediate charge."
Clubs and player send messages of support
"Working alongside players from both teams, Lloyd calmly and expertly managed a swift emergency response—securing the player onto a spinal board and moving him safely into the physio room for continued care."
"Lloyd stayed by his side for hours, coordinating with his paramedic colleagues to ensure the situation was handled with the absolute highest standard of care," it continued. "Player safety always comes first for us, and Lloyd truly went above and beyond yesterday in order to deliver that. We cannot thank him enough for his professionalism and dedication."
"Finally, everyone at Tonmawr RFC sends our warmest thoughts to Rhigos player Rhys. We are wishing you a very swift and full recovery!"
Rhigos RFC chairman Clive Harris also praised the emergency response, as he wrote: "Thank you Lloyd for your help yesterday ensuring Rhys was safely moved from the field and then from Tonmawr itself."
"Our coach Jason Morris, our Team Manager, Duane Dudley and Fixture Sec Bryan Hodgkins were by your side and were all full of praise for your patience and professionalism. Thank you so much from all players and members of Rhigos RFC."
Thomas himself said: "Thank you everybody I appreciate your support. Wishing Rhys [at] Rhigos RFC a full and speedy recovery and all the help and assistance from the Rhigos staff and players and also our boys too for getting this lad the best possible care."
