A PWLLHELI rugby player had to be rushed to hospital after suffering an horrific spinal injury whilst playing on Saturday.

The game between Pwllheli RFC and Bethesda RFC was called off after 31 minutes when it became clear that Pwllheli fly-half Mathew Parry, a scaffolder by trade, had suffered a “severe injury to the spine”.

Will Martin, chairman of the rugby club, confirmed Mathew underwent surgery, saying: “The operation, thank God, was a success.

Mathew, 35, was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor and then transferred to the Royal University Hospital, Stoke, for specialist treatment.

He underwent emergency surgery on Sunday to fuse bones and insert a plate into the top of his spine.

Matthew is now home recuperating following the surgery.

Mr Martin added: “There’s been so many good wishes sent after news of Mathew’s injury came out."

Read the full story in today’s Arfon/Dwyfor edition of the Cambrian News