MacDonald out of ICU
Southland player Hoani MacDonald will be moved out of Middlemore Hospital's intensive care unit.
The 34-year-old was playing against Counties Manukau in an NPC First Division (second tier provincial competition) at Pukekohe at the weekend when he collapsed, suffering from a cardiac arrest.
Several thousand fans watched on as he went down, clutching his chest. Macdonald had gone into cardiac arrest and flat-lined.
He required vigorous CPR treatment for more than five minutes before he could be moved from the field and rushed to hospital and put in an induced coma.
Rugby Southland CEO Brian Hopley said Monday they're delighted to report Hoani has continued to improve,.
"We are delighted will be moved from the ICU at Middlemore Hospital to a coronary care ward," Hopley said.
"Hoani has sent his thanks to everyone who has shown support for him and his family over the past two days, but they also ask for continued privacy."
His partner and two young sons flew in from Invercargill to be with him.
