Young prop (12) still unconscious after cardiac arrest on rugby field
The young prop is still unconscious and the results of the MRI scan on Thursday had shown no brain damage.
A 12-year-old rugby player is recuperating well from a cardiac arrest on a rugby field at the Tuine Sport Club in the west of Pretoria on Tuesday afternoon.
Rick “Tank” Hendriks is still unconscious and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was perfomed on Thursday.
“The results of the MRI had shown no brain damage,” said Diedericks.
As coach Nico Diedericks was making his way to the field on Tuesday, the young prop collapsed before the start of practice before 16:00.
Diedericks, with the help of Rick’s brother, AJ, immediately initiated CPR.
“He had no pulse and suddenly turned blue in the face and that is when I realised something was wrong.
“After about three minutes, Rick regained consciousness and started vomiting. I turned him on his side,” said Diedericks.
The team of Best Care emergency services were called to the scene and managed to stabilise the boy.
Hendricks was airlifted by NetCare911 HEMS to Unitas hospital whereafter he was transported to Sunninghill hospital in Sandton.
According to Diedericks the paediatric cardiologist said Rick has enlarged heart chambers.
The coach said that Rick is a humble boy and probably one of the best players he has ever coached.
Rick was part of Laerskool Tuine first rugby team who managed to lift the u.13 Stadsbeker trophy in the B-bond.
“I foresee a great future for this young man and mark my words, he will one day run out onto the field for the Springboks.”
Youth chairperson of Grizzlies, Quintin Lombard said the club is in contact with Rick’s parents.
“We keep them in our prayers and can only hope he recovers completely,” Lombard said.
President of Blue Bulls rugby union, Willem Strauss also expressed his sympathy with the Hendricks family.
“If it hadn’t been for the coaches who were able to perform CPR, the outcome would have been totally different.
“Thank you for everyone’s messages of support and we wish him all the best of luck in the recovery process,” Strauss said.
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