RUGBY players are rallying round after a teammate broke his back during a match.

Bolton RUFC's Ian Barrows was rushed to hospital during the team’s away match against Garstang after he dived for the ball and his head hit a stray knee. The 41-year-old flanker, from Astley Bridge, was knocked unconscious following the impact and has been left with a fractured vertebra.

The third team player, who has played for the club since he was 14, said: “I was briefly unconscious when the challenge was made.

“The next thing I remember is being in a heap on the floor. I was told not to move. It was a bit sketchy.

“I have broken bones before but this is the most serious injury I have had. I’m so grateful it was not worse.”

Fellow players have rallied around Mr Barrows, with several visiting him in hospital and more than £2,300 has been raised to help during his recovery.

“Now more than ever, I realise one of the best things about the sport is the camaraderie,” said Mr Barrows.

The incident occurred during the second half of the third team’s away game against Garstang’s second team last Saturday.

Bolton Rugby Club Captain Les Towler, who was at the game, said: “Bolton had just scored and from a re-start, Garstang kicked the ball back to us.

“Ian dived on it to secure it just as the cavalry arrived. I think he caught someone’s knee as they were running in.

“It was a complete accident.”

Physiotherapy students from the University of Central Lancashire rang the emergency services and air ambulances were scrambled.

Mr Barrows said: “Two helicopters arrived. They were like buses but I couldn’t use them because it was too dark.”

Instead the wounded player was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital by road ambulance, where he remained until Wednesday night.

Mr Towler added: “His instruction now is complete rest. All of us wish him all the best and I am sure we will see him back up and running very soon.”

Club captain Liam Hargreaves and other teammates have now launched a Just Giving page with the intention of raising £300 to help cover costs during his recovery period, but in less than a week the total topped £2,300.

A fundraising friendly match against Littleborough will take place today at the Bolton club’s Avenue Street ground, with all donations going to Mr Barrows while he is signed off work for the next six weeks.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm and members of the public are invited to attend, followed by screening of the England game in the club bar.

Mr Hargreaves said: “Ian is a valued member of Bolton RUFC and one of the nicest guys you will meet.

“The team decided we wanted to help him out with a little bit of cash in the run up to Christmas, and it has received amazing support.

“I know how much this will mean to Ian and I really appreciate the help from everyone.”

Mr Barrows added: “I’m so thankful to Liam, fellow players, my family, the hospital and emergency services for everything they have done.

“The response to the fundraising page has been absolutely amazing. Thank you to all who have donated from within the rugby community, and those from outside as well.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ian-barrows.