THE Ross Rugby seconds game against Bromyard on Saturday, October 15th was marred when Ross scrum half, PJ Muldowney, was injured and had to be taken to hospital by an air ambulance.

The player was injured during a tackle but fortunately, first responders and an off-duty paramedic from West Midlands Ambulance Service were on the touch line. They were able to respond immediately before the air ambulance arrived, said Ross Rugby Club President, Brian Harris.

He added:?"The ambulance arrived very quickly and the air ambulance quickly followed."

A spokesman for the West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were called to Ross Sports Centre at 4.15pm on Saturday. He said:?"The 19 year old man had neck pain from a rugby tackle and a short while later collapsed with numbness in his leg. He was immobilised with the use of a spinal board and neck collar and was airlifted to Hereford County Hospital."

Mr Muldowney remains in hospital and is being kept immobile. He has already had several scans and Mr Harris told the Gazette he has a suspected fractured vertebra.

The game restarted after a break of a quarter of a hour.