Chopper rescue for rugby player

A 19-year-old Palmerston North rugby player had his leg broken during a match in Dannevirke and was airlifted to hospital.

The Palmerston North-based rescue helicopter was sent to rescue a rugby player during a match in Dannevirke on Saturday.

A 19-year-old Palmerston North player suffered a badly broken leg during the Colts match between Dannevirke and Massey at about 3.30pm, and required urgent hospitalisation.

The game was momentarily delayed while the helicopter was guided into the centre of the number 1 ground by Dannevirke firefighters.

The man was airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital in a stable condition.