RFL Benevolent Fund backing Connor Lynes

Correspondent

The RFL Benevolent Fund have confirmed that they are actively supporting the family of teenaged rugby league player Connor Lynes.

The youngster, a keen Hull Kingston Rovers fan, was injured playing in an Under-15 game in Hull at the weekend for his team Lambworth Lions.

He returned home from his game on Saturday, but was later found collapsed on his bedroom floor, on Sunday morning.

After being rushed to hospital, Connor was placed in an induced coma, and doctors removed 90 per cent of a blood clot.

He was later transferred to Leeds General Infirmary, where doctors operated to remove the rest of the clot.

He is now recovering from surgery, while rugby league people from across the world have offered their support.

Connor’s uncle Dave Lynes explained just what rugby means to his nephew, and just what a lift the backing from the rugby league community has given to the family.

“Seeing him like that in hospital, such a cheeky young lad full of beans and mischief, is heartbreaking for all of us,” he said, according to the Hull Daily Mail.

“We are totally powerless at the moment. He has had such a hard life – he lost his father when he was young but is still such a cheeky lad.

“He is not just my nephew but he is like a son to me as well.

“Connor broke his leg four years ago and the doctors said he would never play rugby again.

“It was bad – he broke his tibia and fibula – but a year later, he was playing again. He loves the sport and is a massive rugby fan. He is a KR fan and I am a Hull fan and we have a lot of banter between us about it.”

The RFL confirmed that the Benevolent Fund, which was established to help players who have suffered injuries while playing the Greatest Game, are providing support for Connor and his family.

An RFL spokesman said: “We have sent our best wishes to Connor and his family at this difficult time and are doing what we can to provide support.

“The RFL Benevolent Fund are meeting Connor’s family today and can offer immediate practical and financial assistance to help them with the challenges they face with travelling between Hull and Leeds.

“The Benevolent Fund will also continue to provide what support it can to aid Connor’s continued recovery.”