Reds lock fractures neck in Highlanders clash
INJURY UPDATE: Reds lock Connor Vest fractured his neck in their Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Highlanders, the franchise said.
Vest left the field in the 29th minute after a crunching tackle during their 30-35 loss in Dunedin on Friday and did not return.
Scans revealed significant damage to his neck.
“Queensland Reds lock Connor Vest has suffered a fractured neck against the Highlanders,” the Reds said in a statement.
“He will return home tomorrow [Sunday] for further assessment and specialist opinions before any further decisions are made on the management of the injury.”
It compounded a miserable night for the Reds, with co-captain Liam Wright forced off, reportedly with a dislocated shoulder, and fellow leader Tate McDermott not returning after a concussion test.
A win for the Reds would have sewn up a place in the quarter-finals, but they now face a must-win clash against Fijian Drua in the final round next week with a depleted side.
Victory for the Highlanders – in All Black great Aaron Smith’s final home game before moving to Japan – kept them in contention for a last-eight berth.
