A RUGBY player had to be brought back to life after he "died" twice following a freak accident.

Relatives and friends are now awaiting the results of a hospital scan to see if Mark Fletcher will make a full recovery.

The accident happened when a scrum collapsed during a match between Hartlepool Amateur Second Team and Redcar Amateur Third Team at Brinkburn School, Hartlepool, on Saturday.

It is believed Mr Fletcher may have damaged his spine, which caused a seizure.

Last night Mr Fletcher was in a stable condition in the spinal unit at Middlesbrough General Hospital.