By James Coffey
Ex-Northampton and Wallabies winger Rob Horne has revealed how he is coping with life following his career-ending injury ahead of The Derby clash this weekend at Twickenham.
Saturday’s big game has been moved to Twickenham as a tribute to the former Saint, with its proceeds going to Horne and his family.
The injury occurred when Horne was captaining the side for the first time, and as he was chasing down the kick off, he made a tackle which instantly ended his rugby career and changed his life forever – the collision a mere 13 seconds into the game left him with nerve damage to his arm.
The severity of the impact had detached all five nerves in his right arm from his spinal cord, leaving the limb completely paralysed and Horne struggling with chronic pain.
Speaking to the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast he said: “I just remember being unable to move. I was lying there pretty embarrassed. I just wanted to get up and play.
“I thought I had dislocated my shoulder.”
On coping with everyday life he said: “the body is a pretty amazing and the mind is certainly an incredible thing. You adapt, you continue to develop and find ways to do things.
“Living with paralysis, I am getting more efficient in day-to-day life.”
Looking to the future Horne explained that he is currently completing a Masters degree in Commerce as he attempts to forge a new career.
