Bartlett admitted to specialist spinal unit

Hawke's Bay loose forward Nui Bartlett was flown to Christchurch today for specialist care after breaking his neck during the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup rugby match on Friday night.

Bartlett was placed in a protective brace and stretchered from McLean Park in Napier after a maul collapsed during his side's 0-45 loss to Canterbury.

He was admitted to Hawke's Bay Hospital after the match and was today flown to Christchurch where he was taken to the Burwood Spinal Unit.

Hawke's Bay chief executive Mike Bishop told NZPA that Bartlett, 23, had suffered a "serious neck injury" and "hopefully he will recover 100 per cent".

"There were some encouraging signs in terms of movement before he left Hastings," Bishop said.

Bishop said he visited Bartlett yesterday, when "he had movement in his arms and was keeping very positive".

He said it was far too early to talk about when Bartlett could play rugby again.

"We're very hopeful and positive that Nui will recover 100 per cent."

Bartlett faces a lengthy and uncertain rehabilitation in Christchurch and may require further surgery.

The initial operation in Hastings reduced a dislocation after his head was trapped after several players collapsed on him.

He was transferred south by air ambulance.

Brother-in-law Matt Marsh told the Hawke's Bay Today newspaper that Bartlett had shown signs of improvement during his stay in Hawke's Bay Hospital.

"I've heard there have been rumours going around suggesting he won't walk again but doctors have told us he'll walk in the future.

"His spinal cord in still intact and the fact he was in such good shape before the injury will certainly help him," Marsh said.

- NZPA