Rugby community supports Herriman teen after 'freak' field accident breaks neck

HERRIMAN — The rugby community across the country is rallying together for a Herriman High teen who broke his neck during a tournament. The way fellow players are showing support is blowing away the teen and his family.

As players got pumped on the field Tuesday evening, practice for the Herriman High School Rugby varsity team wasn't just about playing. It was about the family they've formed.

"It's like a brotherhood," said varsity player and Herriman High senior Eli McQueen.

But right now, the team is down one of their brothers, Rylan Southwick, after what team members described as a freak accident tackle at their last tournament in St. George on Feb. 24

McQueen saw the tackle and realized Southwick was still lying on the field after the other players moved away.

"I ran over to him and yeah, he told me that he couldn't really move his head," McQueen recounted. Southwick at first was able to leave on his own, and his family took him to the hospital. Doctors quickly discovered he'd broken his neck and sent him by medical airplane to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Southwick was hospitalized for about four days and released with a neck brace and strict orders to limit movement.

While his team practiced Tuesday, Southwick sat on the couch at home, playing a video game as he rested up alone.

"They told me that recovery is — they don't really know," he said. "And just to see if I need surgery or not, and let's go from there."

Last Friday, Southwick got a surprise visit from the entire team. A video taken by the coach shows everyone lined up and standing in the room all around him.

"They're supposed to have their team dinner, but instead they came and did this for me, brought some gifts and stuff like that," Southwick explained.

It made him feel supported and loved.

"You're not alone. That's probably the biggest one," Southwick said, of what it made him feel. "Everyone will help you out."

Other rugby teams heard the news and have been sending team swag and well wishes to the Southwick home. Southwick received clothing from the BYU and University of Utah rugby teams, plus the Utah Warriors rugby team. High school and college teams in other parts of the country have also reached out.

Southwick's team signed a rugby ball with messages like "heal quick," and "get well," and "love you buddy."

It's lifting Southwick's spirits.

"I'm very grateful," he said with a smile.

"It's gone everywhere," said Ben Southwick, Rylan's dad. "There's been people across the nation reaching out, saying, 'We're praying for you, and we really love you.'"

Family friends set up a GoFundMe* to support Rylan Southwick's family with medical expenses, including the medical flight.

One show of support that Rylan Southwick hasn't even seen in person yet was very visible at practice Tuesday.

Team members came up with a fun way to bring him onto the field at their next game this weekend.

"We end up bleaching all of our hair," explained McQueen, who is now sporting blond locks.

Senior Matthew Jenkins said he wanted to show Rylan Southwick that he's still part of the team.

"I hope he laughs, actually," Jenkins said. "I hope he thinks it's funny."

Logan Reagan, a senior, said he even cut his hair short to mirror Rylan Southwick's look.

"We wanted every possible way to show him that, even though he's on the sideline now — probably will be for a lot of the season — we still love him. We still care about him," Reagan said.

The boys are proving that rugby is all about brotherhood, no matter what happens on the field.

"I know this rugby community is amazing," Rylan Southwicksaid. "I love it here."

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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