Michael Fatialofa visits Worcester Warriors for first time since career-threatening spinal injury

Worcester Warriors lock Michael Fatialofa made an emotional visit to the club on Tuesday for the first time since his career-threatening spinal injury.

The 27-year-old sustained the blow during the Gallagher Premiership game against Saracens in January and was forced to undergo a surgery at St Mary's Hospital to relieve pressure on his spinal cord and was later shifted to Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire.

Initially, the doctors feared he might not walk again but Fatialofa surprised everyone with his recovery and was recently discharged from the hospital after five months.

Flanker Matti Williams drove Fatialofa in and out of the club which had a large banner reading “Welcome Back Fats” at the entrance of the high performance centre.

?? Welcome back @michaelfats! pic.twitter.com/eA0tpMCly2

— Worcester Warriors (@WorcsWarriors) June 16, 2020

Worcester Warriors scrum-half Jono Kitto was pleased to see Fatialofa back after a serious injury.

"It was unbelievable seeing him again. With the lockdown it's been a while since I have been able to visit him so it was great to see him face-to-face," Kitto told the Worcester Warriors website.

"It's just incredible to see how far he has come and how well he is doing.

"We have all been thinking about him and hoping and praying that he is recovering well. Obviously, he is. He will be stoked to be back home and the next phase of his recovery.

"I am so happy for him that he is progressing well and he is on the up."