ON Saturday, February 27, Crediton RFC Second Fifteen captain Dale Jerry Palmer suffered a serious neck injury, which was later found to be a broken neck, during a game at home.

He was airlifted by a Devon Air Ambulance to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and underwent major surgery on Monday, February 29.

Crediton Rugby Club issued a statement in which it said: “Whilst the operation went well, Dale will remain in hospital for approximately two months followed by a long period of rehabilitation.

“The family are aware of and grateful for the many messages of support from Dale’s friends and also from the wider rugby community as a whole.

“Dale is a young man who may be small in stature but has the heart of a lion.”

Club officer Paul Harris added: “I can only say that the Club is devastated by the injury to Dale in what was a freak accident during the game against Wessex.

“Dale will remain at Derriford for eight or nine weeks before starting his rehabilitation.

“Obviously, the outcome is unclear at this moment in time.

“The Club is doing all it can to support his parents, Jerry and Cynthia and brother Lance.”

Social media has been full of messages of support, most wishing Dale a speedy recovery.

Alan Quick