PWLLHELI rugby player Mathew Parry has returned home after suffering a significant spinal injury at Bethesda last weekend.

The popular figure was transferred to Stoke Hospital for more specialist treatment after initial tests at Ysbyty Gwynedd, with the injury forcing their game to be abandoned.

Parry has undergone surgery in relation to his injuries and has now been sent home by medical staff to recuperate.

The 35-year-old scaffolder underwent emergency surgery on Sunday to fuse bones and insert a plate into the top of his spine.

Speaking to Oval Zone Rugby, Wil Martin, Pwllheli Rugby Club chairman, said: "The operation, thank God, was a success.

"There's been so many good wishes sent after news of Mathew's injury came out.

"The Welsh Rugby Union have been magnificent and President Dennis Gethin has been in touch twice."

The player has received an outpouring of support from leading figures within the game and a large number of clubs from across the region, including former Welsh international Rupert Moon, Namibian star Jacques Burger and former RGC head coach Phil Davies.