Fatialofa ‘blessed to walk from hospital
London : Former Hurricanes lock Michael Fatialofa was watching movies at home after walking out of hospital to an emotional reunion with wife Tatiana and will continue his rehabilitation from a serious spinal injury at his English club.
The 27-year-old received a hug and a kiss from his wife after walking freely out the doors of the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital in Aylsebury, five months after suffering a severe contusion of his spinal cord in a January 4 match for the Worcester Warriors.
.Fatialofa said on Instagram he felt “blessed to be able to walk out of hospital today after arriving paralysed.
She had earlier thanked everyone for supporting the couple. “He wouldn’t be coming home in this miraculous condition without your prayers, love & the support shown in various ways which will carry us thru the next phase,” she wrote on Twitter.
Tatiana Fatialofa later tweeted: “The last time I slept in our bed or woke up next to my husband was January 4. It’s June 6 now. A lot has changed, except one thing, he’s always been a MIRACLE (and currently a snoring one lol).’’
She also posted a photograph of Michael relaxing by watching a movie at their home.
The Worcester Warriors have confirmed Fatialofa would have the use of their facilities at Sixways as he continues his recovery.
“Following a hand over from the rehabilitation team at the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we will look to continue to build on the amazing work they have done with Michael,’’ Worcester’s head of medical Ryan Kehoe told the Warriors’ website.
“His rehabilitation at this stage will focus on improving his general muscular strength, co-ordination and mobility.”
Fatialofa was injured in a tackle just seconds after coming on as a substitute in a match against Saracens.
He had to have surgery to relieve swelling on his spinal cord.-Rugby
London Heaven
: Premiership Rugby announced its plans to resume the English top-flight season on August 15 after the coronavirus shutdown.
Rugby chiefs earlier this week gave clearance for English Premiership clubs to start non-contact training.
The competition was suspended in mid-March but the intention is still to finish the season.
Exeter Chiefs are five points clear of Sale at the top of the table, with Bristol and Northampton occupying the other two play-off places.
“Nothing will happen until it is safe to do so but we will do everything we can to resume the 2019/20 Premiership Rugby campaign on Saturday, 15 August ,” Darren Childs, chief executive of English Premiership Rugby, said in a statement.
“We won’t take risks with people’s health, and rugby has unique challenges due to levels of proximity and impact, but with a number of clubs moving to stage one, it is important for us to give players, coaches and clubs clarity on when they can look to return.
“Bearing that in mind, we look forward to the restart of the season.”
The Premiership said the structure and format for the rest of the campaign would “follow in due course”.
Each team has nine games still to play in the regular season but relegation is already decided, with Saracens set to play in the Championship next season as punishment for salary cap breaches.
Newcastle will replace Saracens after the second-tier Championship season was cancelled.-AAP