Rugby collision fright for parents

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Two schoolboy rugby players gave onlookers and their parents a fright after a nasty head clash during a 1st XV match on Saturday.

The players collided during a match between Tararua College and Dannevirke High School at Pahiatua just before 2pm and were airlifted to Palmerston North Hospital by rescue helicopter.

Tararua College board of trustees spokeswoman Claire Matthews said the injuries ended up being less serious than originally thought. Both players were recovering at home by Saturday night, but for privacy reasons she could not comment further.

The Tararua player injured was Jacob Bennett, who took to Facebook when he got home to fill his mates in on his ordeal.

"Thanks for all the support guys. I just got knocked out and I have pulled the tendons in my jaw," he wrote. "I will be just taking it easy for a couple of days."

His mother, Megan Bennett, posted photos on her Facebook page of Jacob in the rescue helicopter. "Jacob off to Palmy Hospital as a precaution. Only got a ride because of the other boy. Concussion and something wrong with his jaw. Hasn't stopped him talking."

Rescue helicopter pilot Lance Burns said an ambulance called for the chopper about 2pm. He said that initially it appeared one of the boys had a serious head injury, while the other was able to walk to the helicopter and was speaking to medics.