WATCH | Michael Fatialofa walking unaided as recovery continues
Rugby NewsSaturday, 21 March 2020 at 07:46
Worcester lock Michael Fatialofa has been filmed walking unaided as he continues his long recovery from a serious neck injury.
The 27-year-old second row suffered the injury in Worcester’s 62-5 Premiership loss at Saracens back in January.
Fatialofa was later diagnosed with a spinal contusion, a serious condition which causes compression on the spine. The New Zealand-born player had surgery to relieve the pressure on his spinal cord caused by bruising and swelling.
After four weeks at St Mary’s, three of which were in intensive care, Fatialofa was moved to Stoke Mandeville’s world-renowned spinal injury unit.
His wife, Tatiana, posted a video on his Instagram story of him walking during his rehabilitation.
She wrote a caption on the video reading: “Not blowing smoke when I say ‘Jesus is the answer’.
“I truly mean it because you are witnessing a MIRACLE that even medical professionals can’t explain.
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“They are so shook by his progress given his critical level of injury.
“Y’all he was literally paralysed from the neck down just 10 weeks ago and currently spinal cord injuries do not have a clinic cure, but my amazing husband is proof that God is never limited to human wisdom. So so so thankful.”
A JustGiving page set up by the Rugby Players’ Association to provide financial support to the former Hurricanes player and his family has raised more than £37,000.`
LIST | 21 things to do when you can’t watch rugby
Coronavirus cases in the UK are increasing daily, and the UK has now entered the ‘delay phase' of the Government's plan to tackle COVID-19.
Here are 21 things you need to do during rugby's absence.
1. Go watch a rugby movie/documentary.
2. Counting your loose change. See if you've got enough around the house for a few pints on your next rugby outing.
3. Play some of RUCK's rugby quizzes. Post the results publicly...unless you do badly.
4. Read a rugby autobiography. We suggest Doddie Weir's book!
5. Give Rugby 20 a go! Out now for PC, PS4 and X-Box One.
6. Or maybe a more classic rugby game...
7. Argue with your friends about anything rugby related. Feel free to join our Facebook Group and join the chat.
8. Learn some awful to disappoint your friends. Example:
Why did Cinderella get kicked off the rugby team? Because she kept running away from the ball!
9. Lay in bed and constantly text your friends asking if they have any ideas about what to do
10. Do some exercise. Whether you're doing press-ups or just stretching to keep yourself loose, keep yourself healthy.
11. Rewatch your FAVOURITE rugby matches. Here's our list of the eight best ever. Start here...
12. Keep in touch with friends and teammates. Together, hopefully banter will see us through what could be a lonely period.
13. Find out how long you can hold a plank for.
14. Write a love letter to your favourite player, and then throw it in the bin when you realise how embarrassing and mushy you sound.
15. The Chiropractor. Watch this compilation of Bryan Lima hits. OUCH.
16. Memorise some famous rugby quotes
17. Organise and admire your collection of rugby stash.
18. Go back and appreciate how good Jonny Wilkinson was
19. Come up with a new gym routine and playlist. Come back stronger.
20. Think about what you want to get out of the rest of the year and make a plan.
21. Make a list of things to do when there is no rugby and you’re bored.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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