Former England A forward Alex Bennett 'will walk again'

A rugby union player who suffered a serious spinal injury in a match has said the accident has not put him off the sport.

Alex Bennett, a back row forward who has played international rugby for England A and in the Premiership for Saracens, fractured his upper spine after clashing heads while playing for Lymm against Sandal in Wakefield in February.

He underwent eight hours of surgery at Leeds General Hospital and has now begun his recovery at Southport and Formby District General Hospital.

He said that he "genuinely believed" he would walk again and that the clash has not put him off the game.

He added that, despite the injury, he was still happy for his son to be involved in the game and it should not put anyone off the game.