Match halted after player’s ‘scary’ injury
A TOP Welsh rugby match had to be halted amid concerning scenes as a player was knocked unconscious and his airwave became blocked by his tongue.
Cardiff RFC’s clash with Bridgend Ravens was paused for around 10 minutes after Blue & Blacks star Joey Tomlinson was left “out cold” following a collision.
He received immediate attention from medical staff from both sides before being carried off the pitch on the stretcher to applause from both sets of fans and later taken to hospital.
Tomlinson, who re-joined Cardiff in 2022 following a spell in Canada is now recovering at home, having been released from hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning, with his scan results coming back as all clear.
His club released a statement on Monday, updating fans on his condition and praising the efforts of staff from both sides who helped with the incident.
“Following his injury on the field on Saturday Cardiff RFC are pleased to report that Joey Tomlinson has been checked by doctors and scans have come back as all clear,” it read.
“Joey is recovering at home following being taken to the University Hospital of Wales after the game.
“We would like to thank all the medical staff who cared for Joey post match and the Bridgend players and committee for their support and care on and off the pitch.
“We also need to praise our own medical staff and committee members, Rhi, Jill, David Morgan and Simon for their support.
“We wish Joey a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him at the Arms Park in the very near future.”
An opposition player put Tomlinson in the recovery position as medics rushed on to the field.
Bridgend chairman Tony Williams said it was immediately apparent that something serious had happened, as he praised both sides for how they dealt with the “scary” incident.
“The medical team rushed on very quickly,” he said.
“One of the players, I believe one of ours, put him in the recovery position straight away.
“We’ve been told that he swallowed his tongue. He was out cold.
“It was quite a scary incident, you could see from the way the medical team ran on the pitch and the way that his body wasn’t moving, it was quite a serious one.
“The doctor that was there for the game and both sets of medics obviously noticed it happen pretty quickly and responded instantly.
“He had a long wait to get to the hospital as the ambulance didn’t come until about 8pm.
“Our medics stayed with him until around 6pm I believe, and the Cardiff committee were tremendous in staying with him and making sure the family and everyone involved was okay.”
Cardiff head coach Steve Law also praised the medical response after Tomlinson was caught in a “very unlucky” collision during the second half.
“He’s out of hospital now, he’s had all the checks,” he said. “He’s home, he’s up and about.
“The moment itself was very unlucky, a something and nothing situation. He just got caught, there was no malice or foul play, it was just a rugby incident. Both teams’ medical staff were fantastic. Our medical staff were in the hospital with him until 3am, and I think the paramedics stayed with him as well.
“We can’t give those involved enough credit or accolades.”
Cardiff ultimately won the contest 38-23, with second half tries from Nathan Hudd, Joe Goodchild and Harrison James helping to ensure a third successive win for the Blue & Blacks.