There was understandably a lot of concern in the rugby community on Wednesday afternoon.
Very worrying news emerged from Musgrave Park, where a Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Junior Cup quarter-final between St. Munchins College and Presentation Brothers College Cork did not recommence after 10 minutes of play following injuries to three players.
Play was stopped for over an hour, according to reports, so that the three St. Munchins players, all of whom suffered head injuries, could receive treatment.
Distressed by the incident, St. Munchins elected against continuing the game when the referee in charge called both teams back to the pitch for a scrum and the victory was awarded to PBC, who led 5-0 before the lengthy stoppage in play.
Worrying sceneshttps://t.co/prJvKVXP9s
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 8, 2017
Two of the players were taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital.
It didn’t sound good.
But Wednesday evening brings a positive update as, according to St. Munchins, all three young men are recovering at home.
“We are pleased that our three Junior Cup players are back at home in Limerick tonight. All are recovering well,” a statement on the school’s Facebook page reads.
“A sincere thanks to the players, coaches and supporters from PBC for your concern, help, support and best wishes. In particular to the PBC captain and his dad who visited our players in hospital this evening. Such a marvellous gesture that represents the genuine camaraderie and respect that our game and your school represents.
“We would also like to thank the medics at Irish Independent park and at UHC.
“Thanks also to Munster Rugby, our fellow schools from around the country and all those that sent messages of good wishes.”