Stamford School rugby player to return home after suffering spinal injury in South Africa

Stamford School pupil George Robinson, 17, was hurt in a match against DF Malan in Cape Town on July 27. He underwent surgery to repair the bone in his neck and is expected to return to the UK by air ambulance today.

George’s family is keen to thank all those who helped him during his recovery in South Africa. Father Simon said: “We understand that George’s experience has touched many people’s hearts. It has been a life-changing experience and injury for George and our family and we are returning home to start the next part of our journey.

“George is a fun, popular and a charming young man who excels at school as a senior school prefect. He’s academic, a talented actor and an all-round sportsman. He is very close to his younger brother Edward and all of his family.

“He is demonstrating immense strength of character, determination and adaptability, and we as parents are extremely proud and in awe of him. His ambitions of completing his final year at school and attending University remain unchanged.

“George has responded positively to therapy after such a significant injury and there has been daily improvement in his condition.

“As we close the South African chapter of his recovery, we want to warmly convey our heartfelt thanks for the touching support that has been given to George during this early phase of his recovery. We have so many thank yous to convey, George has received incredible care, love and compassion whilst here in South Africa.

“Being in a foreign country could have been very daunting, and despite challenging moments, we’ve always felt help was there if needed, it’s wonderful and reassuring how a community is united in a moment like this.”

George has had plenty of support from the rugby community, including video messages from England rugby union captain Chris Robshaw and head coach Stuart Lancaster, as well as the Northampton Saints.

Principal at the Stamford Endowed Schools Stephen Roberts said the thoughts and prayers of the school community were with George and his family.

He added: “We are delighted that George will be returning to England shortly and pleased to know that his ambitions to complete his final year at Stamford School and to progress to university remain unchanged.”