Shropshire Star

An Oswestry rugby player had to be airlifted to hospital after he was injured during a cup final.

Guy Howell, 25, was taking part in the Shropshire Shield Cup against Clee Hill at Newport Rugby Club last night.

Club spokesman Andy Carlton said today that while the player was believed to have sustained “significant damage to the neck area,” there would be no permanent damage.

He said: “The scrum collapsed and he damaged his neck.

“This type of injury could be dangerous so no-one moved him.

“The ambulance came and they called for the air ambulance.

“This morning I have had a call saying that there was significant damage in the neck area but nothing permanent and he should make a complete recovery.”

It is understood he has now left hospital.

Mr Carlton said he hoped Guy would be back training in time for the new season.

He added: “I only had a brief phone call this morning but it sounded like with three months off season now he should be thinking about training in September.”

An ambulance spokesman said they received the call at about 7.40pm and a rapid response vehicle, ambulance crew and the county air ambulance were called to the scene.

He added: “A 25-year-old male with a neck injury was put on a spinal board with a neck collar and flown to the Princess Royal Hospital.”