A Welsh rugby player was rushed to hospital after sustaining a suspected serious neck injury during the closing moments of a match. Rhys Powell was representing Rhigos RFC in their encounter against Tonmawr RFC on Saturday when he suffered the injury in a collision with just minutes remaining.
He received immediate attention from Tonmawr's first-team physio, Lloyd Thomas, who also works as a professional paramedic, as medical treatment was administered on the pitch. Powell was subsequently fitted with a neck brace and secured onto a spinal board before being carried from the field into the Tonmawr physio room for additional treatment.
Paramedic's rapid response praised
He was later transported to hospital, with Thomas remaining alongside him for several hours while they awaited the ambulance's arrival. The physio's handling of the incident has earned widespread praise from both clubs because he went "above and beyond" to prioritise the player's safety.
After the match - which concluded with the hosts winning 38-19 - Tonmawr released a statement hailing Thomas for his "professionalism and dedication" in managing the situation.
Club statement hails 'swift emergency response'
"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.
"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 chairman thanks physio
Rhigos RFC chairman Clive Harris was equally full of praise for the emergency response, writing: "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 added: "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."
