Romsey Rugby Club statement following serious injury to Simon Purdon
We are saddened to inform members that Simon Purdon sustained a serious spinal injury while playing for our men’s first team in the away league fixture against Ventnor on Saturday 26 September.
We know this news will come as a shock to many in our club community. We are pleased to report that Simon underwent successful surgery on Wednesday 30 September and is expected to make a full recovery, although his recovery will be long. Sadly, he will not be able to play rugby again.
Our thoughts are with Simon, his wife Jessica and their family. Simon remains a much-valued member of the Romsey Rugby Club family, and we will support him throughout his recovery and beyond.
Simon was injured during a tackle and received immediate care from paramedic Issy Gray and other first aiders at the ground before ambulance and critical care teams arrived. He was initially treated at St Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight before being transferred to the Wessex Neurological Centre at University Hospital Southampton, where he underwent surgery.
The club is deeply grateful to Issy, everyone who assisted at the scene, and the ambulance, critical care and hospital teams for their swift response and the care Simon has received.
Life-changing injuries in rugby are thankfully rare, but incidents such as this underline the importance of trained first aiders and appropriate medical support. We are grateful that those present were able to respond promptly and care for Simon until the emergency services arrived.
Members of the club have rallied around Simon, Jessica and their family, offering practical and emotional support during this difficult time.
Simon and Jess have also asked us to pass on their heartfelt thanks to everyone at the club for the kindness, messages and support they have received. They are deeply grateful to the Romsey rugby family for being there for them during such a difficult time.
Romsey Rugby Club Chairman Tristan Pattison said:
“Everyone at Romsey is thinking of Simon, Jessica and their family. The news that Simon’s surgery was successful is hugely encouraging, and we will be alongside him through the recovery ahead.
“I want to thank everyone who helped Simon at the ground, the medical teams caring for him, and those supporting his family. Simon’s place in our club extends far beyond the rugby pitch, and he will always be part of the Romsey rugby family.”
We would also like to recognise the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), which has contacted the family and club to offer assistance. The Foundation provides practical, emotional and financial support to players who sustain life-changing injuries while playing rugby union in England, and to their families, with lifelong support where needed.
Our particular thanks go to Evan Davies, Chairman of the RFU Injured Players Foundation and a Vice President of Romsey Rugby Club, for the valuable guidance and support he has provided to our RugbySafe Lead, Cerrie Gray, over the past few days.
Members who would like to support the Foundation’s work helping injured players and their families can [donate to the RFU Injured Players Foundation](https://rfuipf.org.uk/donate-page).
We recognise that this incident has been upsetting for Simon’s teammates, those who witnessed it and the wider club community. Anyone affected is encouraged to speak with Cerrie or a member of the club committee so we can help them access support.
Simon, Jessica and their family have the support and warmest wishes of everyone at Romsey Rugby Club.