Rugger escapes serious injury

Fiji Times - Sunday, May 18, 2008 1:45 PM

THE Suva Rugby Union cautioned clubs to avoid fielding unfit or injured players after a player escaped serious injury during a club game at the Corpus Christi ground yesterday.

Natuicake Rugby Club hooker Lasaro Dau was rushed to hospital when he injured his spine in a scrum against the Police club.

A source from CWM Hospital said Dau compolained of spinal injuries when brought in by paramedics yesterday.

The source said x-ray results would determine whether he had fractured or dislocated his cervical spine.

Dau, who is now recovering at the CWM Hospital wearing a neck-brace, is awaiting his x-ray reports.

The match was abandoned after the incident.

SRU games co-ordinator Etonia Radrodro said club officials must take responsibility in ensuring that injured or sick players are disallowed from playing.

"The player was very lucky to have escaped serious injuries especially after he was carrying that injury prior to the game," Radrodro said.

"Knowingly that the player had had a spine injury, the club allowed the player to play in the club games and this was his second spinal injury to him.

"We're urging clubs to ensure that players are fit and well before taking the ground and refrain from fielding injured players."

Radrodro confirmed that the union has a medical team on stand-by every Saturday for club games.

"We have a stand-by vehicle for emergency cases and pay $25 for the services of Saint Johns every Saturday.

"The player waited for about half an hour because the CWM Hospital ambulances weren't available and we couldn't risk moving the player to hospital because of his critical condition.

Results: Savura 17 QVSOB 15, ARMY Green 8 Tacirua 8, Lomaiviti Green 20 Meads 17, Covenant Brothers 24 Harlequins 3, Navy 10 Marist 8, Nabua 13 Navesi II 3, Nasinu 44 Vatuwaqa 3, USP Islander Blue 22 Police White 30, Army Red 29 USP Islander Red 15, Police Blues 29 Natuicake 3, Red Rock 27 Newtown 3.