A YOUNG rugby player who was left paralysed in all four limbs after breaking his neck in a scrum is taking legal action which could change the laws of the game.

Student Steven Cox, 24, was playing for St Chad’s College against St Cuthbert’s College in a Durham University match in January 2006 when disaster struck.

During a scrum, Mr Cox suffered a broken neck and dislocated spine, which caused severe nerve damage and left him paralysed and in a wheelchair.

Mr Cox, from North Shields, North Tyneside, has instructed solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation against the referee. He also believes something needs to be done to reform the laws of the game to make scrums safer.

The engineering student, who has resumed his studies despite his injuries and is due to graduate this summer, is alleging the scrum in which he was injured was mis-managed by the match referee.

As a tight-head prop, he claims he had not got himself into the correct position in the middle of the scrum when the referee gave the instruction to engage.

Mr Cox claims he was thrust forward at an awkward angle, resulting in his injuries.

He is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward to help him make his claim.

Mr Cox, who played rugby at Sedbergh School, in Cumbria, before going to university, said he can remember everything that happened in the scrum that day.

“I was pushed forward and my head collided with the shoulder of an opposition player I heard and felt a crack in my spine. I knew instantly that something was seriously wrong. I screamed and shouted to the referee that I had broken my neck and collapsed to floor.”

Mr Cox said all 16 players in a scrum are “utterly dependent on the referee to ensure everyone is lined up correctly”.

John Davis, from Irwin Mitchell law firm, said: “This is a terribly sad case in which a young, fit man with an incredibly bright future has had his life drastically altered.

There are accepted risks involved with playing rugby, but scrums must be managed carefully.”

Mr Davis said there had been calls in the past for scrums to be uncontested to reduce risk to players.

The solicitor said the referee’s role was “crucial” in ensuring scrums are managed correctly.

Irwin Mitchell is appealing for anyone who saw the incident – which happened in the 74th minute of a match played at Durham Rugby Club – to contact John Davis on 0191- 279-0141.

The Rugby Football Union declined to comment last night.