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.
We all need a ‘feel-good’ story right now !
— Kate (@k_iddon) March 20, 2020
10 weeks ago @michaelfats was facing a very uncertain future, paralysed from the neck down following a rugby accident.
This is him today (credit @tatianafats Instagram) ❤️💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/PVkyAQiCVu
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.
