Dunedin rugby player (17) in coma

A Kavanagh College rugby player is in an induced coma in Dunedin Hospital after suffering a head injury on Saturday.

He is Matthew Martin (17).

A Dunedin Rugby Football Club spokesman said the boy was playing in a under­ 18 grade game between Kavanagh College and King's High School.

A St John ambulance spokesman said a 17­-year­-old boy with a mod­erate to serious head injury was transported by ambulance from Dunedin Rugby Football Club, in St Clair, to Dunedin Hospital, at 12.35pm on Saturday. 

The boy was ‘‘put into an induced coma'' on Saturday night and was still in a coma yesterday afternoon.

Kavanagh College principal Tracy O'Brien said a service was held yesterday to support pupils.

‘‘We're keeping our fingers cros­sed and hoping for the best.''