Tackle puts teen on life support

Feilding High School player was a rising star, coach says.

Robert Hickland was a rising rugby star, until tragedy befell him in a freak accident at Masterton on Saturday.

The New Zealand under-17 fullback suffered severe neck injuries playing for Feilding High School's 1st XV against the Rathkeale College 1st XV.

He was flown to Christchurch Hospital's Burwood spinal unit, where he was yesterday listed in critical condition and was on life support.

Last night, he woke up and recognised people around him.

His condition this morning was updated to serious, but stable.

Feilding coach Rick Francis said the family, which is from Feilding, and team members, were very down and the unbeaten team's 46-0 result in the Manawatu premier competition game was of little consequence.

"He got caught in a tackle, but nothing of any note," Francis said. "It was an absolute freak thing.

"It was a one-on-one tackle, which could happen 100 times in a game."

Hickland, 17, was taken by ambulance to Masterton Hospital from where a charter flight flew him and his mother to Christchurch.

Francis said adding to the tragedy was that Hickland was a rare talent who would certainly have played for the Hurricanes Schools team this year and possibly for New Zealand.

"He was among the best backs I've seen since I've been at the school," Francis said.

"He was one of the team's shining stars as far as having that X-factor goes.

"He was also one of the four leaders in the team."

The New Zealand Rugby Union was informed and has support systems in place for such injuries.