VOLUNTEERS who helped save the life of a rugby player were praised yesterday.

Team-mates of Redcar Thirds player Mark Fletcher, 29, were told that he "died twice" during efforts to save him when a neck injury caused a seizure.

Yesterday, his family were awaiting the results of tests after fears that his spine may have been damaged.

It also emerged that the prop forward, injured when he fell awkwardly when a scrum collapsed in a game at Hartlepool on Saturday, will be in Middlesbrough General for between eight and 12 weeks, although an operation has been avoided.

Last night, he was in a stable condition.

Firefighters yesterday praised five people who helped save Mr Fletcher's life with the kiss of life and heart massage. They were Redcar team nurse Maureen Best, West Hartlepool Amateurs team members Stu Anderson, Mike Geritz and Andy Quinn, and physio Nick Matthews.

Redcar Rugby Club secretary Phil Taylor said: "We're all just hoping he will be OK and are waiting for news. Everyone is thinking of him."

Mr Fletcher, a popular member of the Thirds, has played with Redcar for more than 20 years man and boy.