Kiwi player in ICU after 'tackle'

The player suffered a spinal injury.

The details of the accident are not yet confirmed, but it appears that the injured player had been tackled and that players subsequently fell on top of him.

A full investigation into the accident will be conducted.

Play was immediately stopped following the accident and an ambulance called.

The injured player underwent spinal surgery at the weekend and medical staff are assessing next steps.

At this stage the injured player's name will not be released at the request of his family, who have asked that media respect their privacy during a difficult time.

"[The] Waikato Rugby Union and the Rugby Foundation's main focus at this time is providing support to the player's family, his club, and the Waikato rugby community affected by this terrible accident," said Waikato Rugby Union Operations Manager Bill Heslop.

WRU will not be providing any additional comment at this time.