Cardiff trio cited over Neath game

Apr 29 2008 By Andy Howell

THREE Cardiff players have been cited following the Principality Welsh Premier Division match that left Neath scrum-half Gareth Jones in hospital with a serious spinal injury.

Two of the citings are unconnected to Jones’ injury, but one relates to the incident during the match at the Arms Park nine days ago.

The 28-year-old former Pontypridd player had an emergency operation and his condition was said to be "stable but serious" last week.

The University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, today declined to comment on his current condition.

Two Cardiff players, Gary Horrigan and Ryan Howells, have been cited by Neath for alleged foul play.

It is understood those allegations are unrelated to the incident which saw Jones injured.

Hooker Horrigan and winger Howells were due to have their cases heard by a Welsh Rugby Union disciplinary panel tonight.

The hearing of centre Darren Ryan, who has been accused of reckless and dangerous play, is scheduled to be held by union chiefs next Tuesday.

It is understood those allegations relate to the incident which resulted in Jones’ injures.

The Glyncoch father was hurt at a ruck during the televised game and play was held up for about 10 minutes while medical staff attended to him.

He was placed in a neck brace and stretchered off before being taken to hospital, where tests revealed major damage to his neck.

Jones developed complications nine days ago and underwent emergency surgery after developing a blood clot on his brain. It is believed he fell into a coma.

Jones, who was also expected to undergo surgery on his spine, has been a patient in the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Wales.

He has been receiving support from his family, officials of Neath Rugby Football Club and fellow squad members, who have visited him in an hospital.

Messages of support have also poured in from the wider rugby community.

Neath spokeswoman Deena Barton said: "He is in the best place and the care he has been having is fabulous. Everyone at the club is praying for him.

"The players and coaches are obviously devastated and have been supporting Gareth’s family."

Team manager Stuart Evans said: "We do not yet know the full extent of the injury and may not know for a number of weeks. These things take time."

Neath had already clinched the Premier Division title for the fourth successive time when they travelled to Cardiff for the Sunday match.

They were presented with the trophy afterwards, but celebrations were muted as fears grew over the extent of the injuries suffered by Jones.

Jones used to play for Pontypridd, the Sardis Road outfit’s press officer Guto Davies saying: "The news of Gareth Jones’ injury is devastating for everybody who knows him as a player and a person.

"The thoughts of everyone at Pontypridd RFC are now with Gareth and his family."