Former Sale Sharks center Sam James was at the center of an alarming incident on Saturday, shaking fans and players alike after being knocked unconscious during Racing 92's Top 14 clash with Montpellier.
The English player, who earned an unofficial cap with the Red Roses in a match against the Barbarians, found himself in full action late in the match.
Racing attempted to overturn an unfavorable 21-17 scoreline, advancing 80 yards down the field in the final minutes. However, their hopes evaporated when James lost the ball.
As the 29-year-old collapsed to the ground, an arm of famous former Springbok Jan Serfontein accidentally collided with James' head. This brutal impact left the Racing player unconscious before he hit the turf.
“I have rarely seen a knockout like that”
Referee Tual Trainini immediately stopped the match, and medical teams rushed to the scene. Racing scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec described the horror of the situation:
“He was unconscious and he had convulsions. I’ve rarely seen a knockout like that.”
James was evacuated on a stretcher to the applause of the crowd and taken directly to the hospital for further examinations.
“The news is reassuring”
Racing 92 coach Dimitri Szarzewski gave an encouraging update after the match:
“The news is reassuring. He has regained consciousness and the doctor is rather optimistic. Obviously this is impressive since he was unconscious on the ground for quite some time. But he should be better.”
Although the match ended with a victory for Montpellier, attention was focused on James' recovery. His return to the field may take time, but Racing fans will be relieved to know their star is on the mend.
Good to know
- Sam James previously played for Sale Sharks before joining Racing 92.
- Concussions are a growing concern in rugby, and strict protocols are in place to protect players.
- Racing 92 and Montpellier are two of the best teams in the French championship, attracting many fans both on and off the field.
- Source image(s) : www.ruck.co.uk
- Source : https://www.ruck.co.uk/england-international-hospitalised-after-convulsing-following-awful-incident-in-France/
Watch Sports Live ????
Our editors use AI to help them deliver fresh items from trusted sources to our users. If you find any image or content that is inappropriate, please contact us via DMCA form and we will promptly remove it. / Our editors use AI to help them offer our readers fresh articles from reliable sources. If you find an image or content inappropriate, please contact us via the DMCA form and we’ll remove it promptly.
