New Zealand born Samoan rugby league player Mose Masoe is showing "signs of improvement" after suffering a serious spinal injury while playing for English Super League club Hull Kingston Rovers.
Mose Masoe playing for Hull KR. Photo: © SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd)
The 30-year-old Samoa international forward was hurt in yesterday's pre-season friendly against Wakefield Trinity.
Masoe joined the UK side from NRL club St George Illawarra Dragons in 2017.
Hull said he is "awake and alert" after having overnight surgery in Leeds.
"Mose has an overwhelmingly positive mindset and would like to thank everyone for their concern and well wishes," said a club statement.
"He would also like to extend special thanks to staff at Leeds General Infirmary for their unbelievable care.
"The club will continue to provide further updates as soon as they can, and in the meantime would ask for privacy for Mose and his family at such a difficult time."
Rovers have set up an online fundraising page to support Masoe and his family.
Masoe was born and raised in Wellington and played junior rugby league for Randwick Kingfishers and the Wellington Orcas in the Bartercard Cup.
The new Super League season starts on Thursday 30 January, with a meeting between last season's Super League table runners-up Wigan and Challenge Cup winners Warrington.
Hull KR are due to start their season the following night (Friday 31 January), at home to Wakefield.
-RNZ/BBC