A young man has had head surgery after his condition rapidly deteriorated in a rugby match in Wellington this weekend.
Photo: 123rf
Wellington Rugby said it was still unclear how the 19-year-old was injured, but that witnesses reported the player was involved in a collision during the first half of the match.
It said he was removed from the field late in the match after teammates noticed he was displaying worrying symptoms during a break in play.
Shortly after leaving the field, Wellington Rugby said the man's condition deterioriated rapidly.
He was taken to Wellington Hospital where he had brain surgery on Saturday night.
Wellington Rugby says he remains in a critical condition.
It says an inquiry is underway involving both Wellington Rugby and New Zealand Rugby.
The player's family and friends say it was a tragic accident.