Medical teams are honoured by WRU

THE Welsh Rugby Union have honoured medical teams from four Principality Premiership clubs for their part in helping save the lives of two spectators during the season.

Newbridge RFC player Ross Cornwell was watching Bargoed and Ebbw Vale last month when the 28-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest.

Paramedics were called to Bargoed’s home ground, while medical staff from the two clubs used a defibrillator on the side of the pitch as supporters and both teams looked on.

Aberavon fan Don Morgan also collapsed last month with heart problems in the Wizards’ home match with Newport and was rushed to Morriston Hospital in Swansea to have a stent fitted following treatment from medical staff of both clubs.

The medical work of the four teams were recognised this week by the Welsh Rugby Union when president Dennis Gethin presented them with the Unsung Heroes gong at the end-of-season Principality Premiership awards night.

“We know that clubs at all levels of the game in Wales rely on an army of volunteers who carry out a whole host of essential roles within their clubs,” said Gethin.

“We wanted to pay tribute to Premiership medical teams and in particular the four teams who more than likely saved the lives of two supporters recently.

“The importance of the A Licence criteria in stipulating that teams must have qualified medical staff and vital equipment including defibrillators was more keenly felt than ever, especially for those individuals who were taken ill and their families.”

Merthyr wing Kyle Evans scooped the major award of the evening when being named the Premiership Player of the Year. Evans is currently top try scorer with 19.

He touched down twice in the Ironmen’s first WRU National Cup success – against Newport last month.

Evans was presented the award at the Principality Stadium by JulieAnn Haines, chief customer officer of Principality, who had earlier announced an extension to the Building Society’s sponsorship of the Premiership.

Ebbw Vale wing/centre Toby Fricker was named best newcomer of the season.

Fricker has burst into the Ebbw Vale backline with aplomb and his powerful, athletic running and ability to score some key tries for the Steelmen this season have earned up a call-up to the Wales Sevens squad for the Moscow Sevens this weekend.

Newport’s Craig Warlow was the coach of the year after leading the Black & Ambers to their first WRU National Cup final in 15 years.