New Zealand rugby player Michael Fatialofa has had successful surgery on his neck after being injured playing for Worcester in the English Premiership.
Fatialofa playing for the Hurricanes. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Worcester have confirmed the former Hurricanes lock is still in the Intensive Care Unit at St Mary's Hospital in London but is in a stable condition following the operation.
Fatialofa sustained the injury on Sunday in Worcester's 62-5 defeat at Saracens.
The 27-year-old was taken to hospital bruising and swelling on his spinal cord.
An operation overnight has has relieved the pressure.
A club statement said: "The operation was a success and Michael is stable, but he remains in a serious condition."
It added: "The process of recovery and observation of improvement will now begin. As always our thoughts and prayers are with Michael and his family who we will continue support however we can as part of the Warriors family.
"Michael and his family are sincerely grateful for the support shown by the rugby community."
Fatialofa's wife Tatiana also said on Instagram that the surgery had been "a success".
Earlier Worcester said their club doctor Nick Tait had been "in daily contact with Michael's neurosurgeon", after the injury had left him with "reduced power and sensation in his arms and legs".
Fatialofa is in his second season at Worcester following his arrival from Super Rugby side Hurricanes, where he spent three seasons.