Welsh rugby suffered a concerning moment on Saturday during the United Rugby Championship match between the Scarlets and the Stormers at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Twenty-one-year-old winger Macs Page was involved in a frightening incident midway through the game, leaving players, coaches, and spectators anxiously waiting as medical staff rushed onto the field.

The incident occurred as Page made a determined drive toward the try line, attempting to score his second try of the match. Springbok fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu executed a tackle to stop the attack, which resulted in Page hitting the turf heavily with his head and spilling the ball forward. Page appeared to lose consciousness immediately upon impact. Feinberg-Mngomezulu remained by his side as medics reached the scene, bringing out a stretcher as a precaution while carefully assessing the young player.

Although a stretcher was brought out, Page was eventually helped to his feet. He walked off the pitch with medical staff supporting his head and wearing an oxygen mask, underscoring the serious nature of the collision. While the ability to walk off provided some immediate relief to onlookers, there was no initial confirmation regarding the full extent of his injury or how long he might be sidelined.

The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate given Page's standout performance throughout the opening stages of the current campaign. He had already recorded his fifth try of the season earlier in the match,continuing a strong run of form that has drawn significant attention across Welsh rugby. His recent performances led many to push for his inclusion in the national team, especially after he narrowly missed out on selection for Wales' 39-man autumn squad earlier in the week.

Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies had publicly supported the young winger, noting that Page had been exceptional in the first block of the season and deserved serious consideration for international selection. Page previously featured on Wales' summer tour of Japan in 2025, though he is still waiting for his first official international cap.

The incident highlights the physical demands and inherent risks of professional rugby, particularly regarding head impacts. Attention now turns to Page’s recovery and the detailed medical evaluations required to clear him for a return to play.

source:

https://briefly.co.za/sports/rugby/256996-macs-page-rugby-star-stretchered-wearing-oxygen-mask-cape-town-clash/