Second Brisbane teen seriously hurt in rugby incident in as many weeks

THE second Queensland schoolboy rugby player in as many weeks to suffer a neck injury in a match has undergone successful surgery but is expected to remain in ICU.

• ‘I won’t let scrum accident define me’

THE second Queensland schoolboy rugby player in as many weeks to suffer a neck injury in a match has undergone successful surgery.

Alexander Clark, 15, underwent surgery to stabilise his neck on Saturday night after sustaining a significant neck injury while playing for St Joseph’s Nudgee College in a Great Public Schools (GPS) match.

A statement by Nudgee principal Peter Fullagar on Sunday said the Year 9 student remains in intensive care at the Lady Cilento’s Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.

The incident happened during a match at Nudgee College. This photo was taken during a July GPS rugby match at the Boondall based college. Picture: AAP/David Clark

“The surgical team at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital was satisfied with the outcome and continue to monitor Alexander to assess if a second surgery is required within the coming days,” Mr Fullagar said.

“The extent of his injury is unknown at this stage, and may not be known for days or weeks to come as Alexander recovers.”

It’s expected Alexander will remain in the ICU for the next 72 hours. The school will provide support to students and staff impacted by Alexander’s injury, Mr Fullagar said.

Exact details of how the injury happened are not yet known but it is understood it was not during a scrum.

It is understood a Rugby Australia serious injury officer is investigating.

The Nudgee community was quick to support the teen, with one woman writing on social media: “10,000 brothers are behind you. You got this stay positive and strong.”

Another wrote: “Please pray for this beautiful boy and his family!”

The school’s cross country and track and field Facebook page described Alexander as a “track and field superstar”.

Conor Tweedy, pictured in hospital with dad Sean and mum Beck, suffered a serious spinal injury just two weeks ago. Picture: Annette Dew

It comes as treatment continues for Conor Tweedy, 16, who suffered a major spinal cord injury in a scrum accident while playing for the Gregory Terrace Second XV on July 21.

His red-and-black Terrace No. 3 jersey had to be cut off the Year 11 student for emergency surgery the same day after he was rushed by ambulance to Princess Alexandra Hospital with a police escort.

He has paralysis in his arms and legs. But the brave youngster is determined to recover and already making plans to attend his school formal.