New Zealand Rugby
Macdonald showing 'positive signs'
ESPN Staff
October 21, 2012
Melbourne Rebels lock Hoani MacDonald looks for support, Melbourne Rebels training session, Visy Park, Melbourne, Australia, April 12, 2011
Former Melbourne Rebels lock Hoani Macdonald is still in intensive care © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Hoani MacDonald
Teams: New Zealand

Hoani MacDonald is showing "early positive signs" after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest in Southland's ITM Cup clash with Counties Manukau on Saturday.

MacDonald was hospitalised and placed in an induced coma after his ordeal on Saturday. He has been joined at the Auckland hospital by his family and New Zealand Rugby Union general manager Neil Sorensen has said that Macdonald is starting to come out of the coma.

"Southland Stag Hoani Macdonald has started to come out of an induced coma and is showing early positive signs including acknowledging questions and recognising people around him," Sorensen said. "While this is positive news, he remains in intensive care at Middlemore Hospital and his condition is described as stable.

"Hoani's family remain at his bedside and have expressed thanks for the massive outpouring of love and support from the New Zealand public. The family have asked for continued privacy through this testing time."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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