Rugby player Ralshon Douglas returns to the Island tomorrow following emergency surgery in the USA.

The 26-year-old policeman was airlifted abroad after his neck was injured in a game last Friday night.

Though he regularly represents Police, Douglas was playing for Onions versus Rest of the World at the time of his misfortune.

President of the Bermuda Rugby Football Union (BRFU) Dave Worsfold yesterday confirmed Douglas? injury but was quick to assure that, based on information he has received, the athlete was well en route to recovery.

?It was a very innocuous tackle...He was tackled and there was a ruck. Play moved on but unfortunately he was still on the ground injured,? said Worsfold.

?He damaged his neck and was flown off for treatment which I?ve heard was fairly successful and he should be returning to the Island on Thursday. Yes, he had some fairly bad damage to his neck but surgery has stabilised that.?

Worsford also noted that Douglas remained ?lucid and moving the whole time? and never fell unconscious.

The rugby chief commended Douglas? team-mate Jamie Morrison for quick action in stabilising the player?s neck, noting the lifeguard?s initiative helped minimise injury.