Northampton Lock Undegoes Surgery For Neck Fracture

Northampton Saints’ new lock James Percival underwent surgery this morning for a neck fracture suffered during the pre-season friendly against Munster on Friday night.

Northampton Saints’ new lock James Percival underwent
surgery this morning for a neck fracture suffered during the pre-season friendly against Munster on Friday night.

The 21 year old who signed from Worcester Warriors at the end of
last season, was stretchered off in the opening half at Thomond Park and spent the night in
Limerick Regional Hospital.

Iinitial x-rays did not reveal the extent of the damage and Pervival was discharged the following morning.

He had an operation at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford this
morning to stabilise his neck. He was flown down to Oxford from
Northampton General Hospital by air ambulance after being examined and
scanned by consultant orthopaedic surgeon Nick Birch and radiologist
Neil Fairlie.

At this stage it is unclear how long Percival will be out of action. Saints
Director of rugby Budge Pountney said: “This injury has come as real
shock to the entire squad. James is a well-liked member of our squad and
a player we know has a lot of potential. We hope to see him back in
training as soon as he is physically able.”

Meanwhile, Declan Kidney takes his Munster squad to Welford Road on Friday for the second pre-season warm-up game following the morale boosting 20-18 victory over Northampton Sants on Friday.