Southland rugby placer Hoani MacDonald has been released from hospital, a week after suffering a cardiac arrest and "flat-lining'' during a game.
The 34-year-old collapsed during his team's ITM Cup semifinal against Counties Manukau in Pukekohe. Paramedics used a defibrillator, after CPR and a shot of adrenaline failed to bring back his pulse.
In a statement, Rugby Southland said he was released from hospital yesterday afternoon following a successful operation to implant an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator) on Friday.
"The events of the last eight days have been a lot to comprehend for MacDonald and his family who, for the immediate future, will be staying in Auckland to be close to medical support while allowing time for them to reflect on and deal with the past week.
"Hoani and his family are continuing to receive great support from the rugby community as well their family and friends.''
