Michael Fatialofa: Worcester rugby player has ‘improved airflow through his chest and movement in one leg’

Tatiana Fatialofa has been by her husband’s bedside following his neck surgery after suffering a serious injury in Worcester’s defeat by Saracens

Jack de Menezes
Thursday 09 January 2020 15:25 GMT
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Michael Fatialofa was carried off the pitch and taken to hospital in Worcester's defeat by Saracens
Michael Fatialofa was carried off the pitch and taken to hospital in Worcester's defeat by Saracens

Worcester Warriors lock Michael Fatialofa has shown “improved airflow through his chest and strengthening movement in one leg” in his first step to recovery from a serious neck injury.

The 27-year-old underwent successful surgery on his neck on Monday at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington to ease the pressure caused by bruising and swelling on his spinal cord, having suffered "reduced power and sensation in his arms and legs".

Fatialofa still has a long road ahead as he continues to be treated in London, but his wife Tatiana has been by his bedside as much as possible after his condition was judged to have been good enough to grant extended visiting hours on Wednesday.

Writing on Instagram, Tatiana said that the New Zealand rugby star has shown improvements with both his breathing and movement in one of his legs, and praised Fatialofa for having “a positive, balanced, healthy-minded husband who has been dreaming up so many beautiful plans for our future”.

She added: "One step closer to 24 hours (a day accessibility), although that would be provided by a private centre so that's our next prayer because Michael needs to make progression in order to be able to move into such facilities".

However, Tatiana issued an update on Thursday to say it had been a “tough morning” and asked for his fans to “pray for encouragement”, having thanked the rugby community for their messages for support.

Given the seriousness of his injuries, Worcester are restricting updates to what is passed on from Fatialofa’s neurosurgeon, though hooker Isaac Miller described this week how the club are helping the squad to cope with the scenario while also keeping their focus on their Premiership and European campaign.

“As a squad we were horrified to see an injury like that to one of our mates, all our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family,” said Miller. “All of the boys are massively concerned and just want to see his condition improve.

“The boys are there for each other and it is important to say that Fats is a such a good man around the squad as well, he’s always smiling and having a laugh."

Teammate Jono Kitto, a fellow New Zealander of Fatialofa’s, added: “We have had conversations as a group and with people who are here for that reason if we need it because it does an effect.

“I guess it is down to every individual and all of us as a collective to make sure we look after ourselves on that side so we can do the job on Saturday and not allow emotions to take too much control of us, and that we are voicing them when they appear.

“They naturally will for most guys because Michael is an integral part of this club, people love him and he’s a great man.

“We are feeling for him, we miss him and at the end of the day, no matter how much that affects each and every one of us we just have to make sure we have the appropriate conversations.”

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