A PLAYER with a top Isle of Wight rugby club suffered a horror injury in a beach rugby match, just a few hours into the opening day of the South Island Sevens event in Ryde. 

Sandown and Shanklin Rugby Club seconds player, Luke Orton, broke his neck during the men's elite Beach 5s tournament at Appley Beach, on Saturday morning.

The 26-year-old was playing for the Ryde Rhinos team, against the Sketty Hoops.

The alarm was raised at 12.20pm.

How you can donate to a fund set up for Isle of Wight rugby player Luke Orton

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust confirmed it received a 999 call and an ambulance attended the scene.

Luke was transferred by ambulance to St Mary’s Hospital in Newport.

Initially, Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and Ryde Beach lifeguards also provided  medical care.

A fundraising page through Crowdfunding was quickly set up for Luke, to support him and his family.

On it, clubmate and fellow Rhinos player Michael Cooper, who set up the page, said: "He has broken his neck (C5 vertebrae), which has pressed onto his spinal cord and left him currently unable to feel anything from the chest down. A truly scary situation for anyone to be in."

On social media, Luke's family said he was flown to Southampton General Hospital to be looked after in intensive care.

He is expected to stay there for a week or so and faces an operation, physiotherapy and rehab.

Isle of Wight County Press: Appley Beach in Ryde.Appley Beach in Ryde.

The target, to raise £2,000 for the highly-respected figure at Sandown and Shanklin Rugby Club was rapidly met and the page has already reached over £7,000.

"Like anyone, Luke is just a normal guy with bills to pay, with a family and friends worried sick about him and what the future holds," said Michael.

"We are looking to raise some money to help cover travel costs, time off work and anything else the family may need during this terrible time.

"Any money raised, but not required to help, will then be donated to a rugby injury charity, or one to support others in similar situations.

"Luke is a larger-than-life character, so the news has left everyone who knows him shocked and so worried.

"But we all know he is a fighter and won't quit, so will do everything he can to be back to normal."

Earlier this year, the Island rallied round for Island-born ice hockey player Aidan Doughty, of Ryde, who suffered a serious back injury during a match for the Basingstoke Bisons.

A GoFundMe fundraiser reached just shy of £14,000 to help cover his bills and any other help required in his recovery.

In March, the County Press reported Aiden was hoping to get back on the ice for the start of the season.