There were worrying scenes as Munster’s Francis Saili made his first start for the province.
The New Zealand centre was looking a tremendous investment when he scored an excellent try in the first half of Munster’s 21-15 victory over London Irish at Musgrave Park.
But the smiles in the terraces turned to looks of concern when the 24-year-old stayed down after an attempted tackle and had to be stretchered off.
Medics taking their time with Saili, Play has been stopped while he receives treatment #MunVLon 65 mins
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) August 28, 2015
A worrying sight but everyone is understandably taking their time with Francis #MunVLon Stretcher has been brought out. — Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) August 28, 2015
Carried off now with everyone standing to applause #MunVLon Thoughts with him & hoping for the best.
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) August 28, 2015
Saili is carried off to a standing ovation from the whole crowd. We wish him all the best #RugbyFamily — London Irish (@LiRFC) August 28, 2015
Horrible seeing @FrancisSaili down and being treated for so long, after such a good first start! Hope he’s ok .. #munsterrugby #MunVLon
— Jean-Marié Stander (@JMNeethling) August 28, 2015
Unbelievable first outing for Francis Saili hope to god it’s not as bad as it looked , such a talent such bad luck #getwellsoon — Darren Murphy (@polinidar) August 28, 2015
Hoping @FrancisSaili isn’t injured as badly as it sounds. Get well soon man!!
— Cormac Lordan (@cormaclordan) August 28, 2015
Wishing @FrancisSaili a speedy recovery, hope he’s back on his feet soon and that the injury is not too serious #SUAF — Eric Fitzgerald (@mrericfitz) August 28, 2015
I think it’s safe to say the whole of Munster has our fingers crossed for @FrancisSaili Kia Kaha
— Niamh (@niamhieobrien) August 28, 2015
Great to get win in final friendly Blighted by what looks to be nasty injury to Francis Saili Wishing him all the best. #Suaf #MunVLon — Liam (@liam_le) August 28, 2015
Munster head coach Anthony Foley revealed after the match that Saili had been taken to hospital.
Cont’d Saili has gone to hospital & from 1st thoughts it’s a concussion #MunVLon but he will get a full check & know more then.
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) August 28, 2015
We’re all praying that the lengthy work put in by the medics was merely precautionary and that Saili makes a quick and complete recovery.
