Worcester Warriors lock Michael Fatialofa has been moved out of the intensive care unit following successful surgery on his neck earlier this month.
Michael Fatialofa signed for Worcester Warriors in 2018. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 27-year-old was diagnosed with a spinal contusion after being injured during his side's 62-5 English Premiership defeat at Saracens on 4 January.
Fatialofa underwent surgery three days later to relieve the pressure on his spinal cord caused by bruising and swelling and, in a statement posted on the club's website, Worcester said the New Zealand-Samoan second rower had now been moved from intensive care to the major trauma unit at St Mary's Hospital in London.
Michael Fatialofa won a Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes in 2016. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
His condition remained serious but the club said he was making good progress and he was showing encouraging signs of improvement.
"The hope is that he will soon be transferred to the internationally-acclaimed spinal injuries unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire to continue his rehabilitation."
The Warriors have set up a special email account - fats@warriors.co.uk - so that Fatialofa and his wife Tatiana can receive messages of support from well-wishers.