How New Zealand Rugby Foundation cares for its broken players

In Cody Everson's dreams he can walk, run and jump. When he wakes up, reality comes rushing back like a crushing blow.

In 2011, the then 15-year-old was tackled to the ground in a game of footy which changed his life forever.

"When I got tackled I had pins and needles from my forehead to my toes. I was trying to get up but it wasn't happening," Everson said.

"I was right in the ruck, I was getting stood on and I couldn't feel properly. I was trying to scream for help but nothing was coming out.

"That is when one of our managers saw something in my eyes and knew something was wrong." ​

The look in Everson's eyes was pain from an injury which would leave him facing a lifetime in a wheelchair.

Since 2011, nine men have seriously injured their spinal cord playing rugby. Seven of the nine were under the age of 21.

Only four have since recovered the ability to walk.

Last month, 17-year-old Keenan Alexander from Thames suffered the same ill-fate as Everson after being tackled in a First XV semi-final.

He is now living with the prospect of never being able to walk again.

To read the rest of this comprehensive article about an important part of our game, watch video content and read about the outstanding work the New Zealand Rugby Foundation does please visit the Stuff article here